More than five people prohibited
The Federal Council has once again tightened the measures, because keeping the distance was not followed enough. With the "maximum 5-person rule" - and 2 meters distance each - a curfew in Switzerland should be prevented. So, according to the Federal Council, the population has it in its own hands whether further tightening is necessary.
No, Health Minister Alain Berset does not want to have to introduce a curfew. But the Federal Council on Friday once again urged the population to stay at home; this applies in particular to people who are ill or over 65 years old. Only those who have to go to work or to the doctor, as well as those who have to buy groceries or help someone, should go outside. The aim is to protect particularly vulnerable people and prevent intensive care units in hospitals from being overloaded.
Keep distance too little followed
Because keeping a distance is still not followed consistently enough, the federal government has now decided to ban gatherings of more than five people in public spaces, namely in public squares, on footpaths and in parks. Gatherings of less than five people would be required to maintain a distance of at least two meters from other people. The police can impose an administrative fine in the event of non-compliance, the Federal Council said.
Construction sites threatened with closure
In order to prevent the closure of construction sites and to better protect employees, the Federal Council also obliges employers in the construction and industrial sectors to comply with the federal recommendations on hygiene and keeping a distance. Employers would therefore have to limit the number of people present on construction sites or in factories and adapt the organization. They are also obliged to prevent gatherings of more than five people in break rooms and canteens. The cantons could close individual businesses or construction sites in the event of non-compliance, according to the federal order.
Source: Confederation
Support for economy
On March 20, 2020, the Federal Council also put together a comprehensive package of measures worth CHF 32 billion to cushion the economic consequences of Covid 19. With the measures already decided on March 13, a total of more than 40 billion francs should be available. The next step is now to involve parliament. The Finance Delegation of the Federal Council (FinDel) will decide on the matter at the beginning of next week. As early as next Thursday, March 26, companies should be able to obtain loans from their principal bank without red tape.
The measure is intended to support the suffering economy, secure the wages of employees and help the self-employed. The cultural and sports sectors will also receive support in order to prevent bankruptcies and cushion the drastic financial consequences, according to the Federal Council's statement.
