Extraordinary situation - restaurants etc. remain closed

Today (March 16) from midnight public and private events are prohibited. All stores, markets, restaurants, bars and entertainment and leisure establishments such as museums, libraries, cinemas, concert halls and theaters, sports centers, swimming pools and ski resorts will be closed. This is valid for the time being until April 19, 2020. Likewise, businesses will be closed where keeping a distance is not possible, such as hairdressing salons or beauty salons.

Hoarding purchases unnecessary

The supply of food, medicines and goods for daily use is ensured for the entire population, and sufficient stocks have been built up. Grocery stores, takeaways, company canteens, meal delivery services and pharmacies remain open, as do gas stations, train stations, banks, post offices, hotels, public administration and social services. Workshops for means of transportation, may also remain open. All these establishments must comply with the recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health on distance and hygiene. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices remain open, but must refrain from medical procedures and therapies that are not urgently indicated. People who are particularly at risk do their work at home. If this is not possible, they are given leave by their employer. They continue to receive their wages.

Up to 8000 army personnel move in

The Federal Council assumes that the demand of civilian authorities for assistance by the army will increase markedly in the coming days and weeks. In order to meet the requests of the cantons, the Federal Council is increasing the upper limit for the assistance service from 800 to 8000 members of the armed forces. This will apply until the end of June 2020. Firstly, the armed forces should support the healthcare system with medical services, in particular with nursing, patient monitoring, medical transports or hospital logistics (e.g. bed disinfection, kitchen, laundry, cleaning). Secondly, the armed forces are to take on logistical tasks such as transport and assistance in setting up improvised infrastructure, if required. Thirdly, it should relieve the cantonal police corps in the security sector, for example by providing greater support in embassy protection, or by supporting the border guard corps at national borders and airports.

Around 3000 army personnel are available for medical support. These will be made available immediately. How many members of the armed forces are deployed depends on the development of the situation and the requests of the competent authorities.

Mobilization of militia formations with high readiness

First to be deployed will be those units that are on regular troop duty. Recruit schools, through-servicemen and refresher courses will be extended where necessary. In certain areas, additional troops will have to be mobilized. This applies in particular to members of the armed forces from militia formations with a high level of readiness. These formations include all four hospital battalions and five medical companies. They can be deployed within four days of the decision to mobilize. The triggering will take place today.

Controls at the borders

The Federal Council has decided to control also the borders with Germany, Austria and France from midnight and to introduce entry bans with exceptions there. It had already introduced Schengen border controls for travelers from Italy on Friday. Entry from the four large neighboring countries is now only permitted to Swiss citizens, people with a residence permit in the
Switzerland as well as persons who have to travel to Switzerland for professional reasons are allowed. Transit and the movement of goods are also still allowed. Finally, persons in a situation of absolute necessity are also allowed to enter. This measure serves to protect the Swiss population as well as to maintain the capacities in the Swiss health care system. In order to implement these tasks in a targeted manner, smaller border crossings will be closed throughout Switzerland and border traffic will be channeled to larger border crossings. A list of these border crossings is published by the Federal Customs Administration.

Childcare

In the amended ordinance on measures to combat the coronavirus, the Federal Council now also regulates the issue of daycare centers. For children who cannot be cared for privately, the cantons must provide the necessary care services. Daycare centers may only be closed if other suitable care options are available. This measure will initially apply until April 19, 2020, as will the new school closures. Source: Confederation

SBB reduces offer

The Federal Council's measures to contain the coronavirus will further restrict social life in Switzerland. Against this backdrop, and because staff shortages are to be expected, Swiss transport companies would reduce services on the orders of SBB and PostBus. The timetable adjustment would take place step by step from Thursday, March 19, 2020, and would apply until further notice.

Travelers are asked to consult the online timetable before each trip.