GENEVA – Switzerland on Wednesday became the latest European country to ease coronavirus restrictions, including ending health checks for incoming travelers and requiring a COVID-19 card to enter many countries. public places.
The Federal Council, the seven-member Swiss executive body, said that as of Thursday, masks and COVID-19 vaccination cards will no longer be required to enter shops, restaurants, office locations. as well as other public facilities and events. The requirement to wear a mask at work and the recommendation to work from home will also end, as will capacity limits for large-scale gatherings.
The only requirements that will remain are orders for anyone who tests positive to be quarantined and to make face masks mandatory on public transport and in healthcare facilities.
“The epidemiological situation continues to develop positively,” the government said. “Thanks to the high level of immunity in the population, the health care system will not be overwhelmed even though virus circulation levels will continue to be high.”
The health authorities of this country of about 8.5 million people have reported more than 21,000 new COVID-19 infections daily and 10 new deaths. This trend has been gradually decreasing since the 7-day average of more than 36,000 cases per day was counted at the end of January.
Incoming travelers will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or negative test, or to fill out an application form.
The measures also mean the end of government economic support for businesses hit hard by the pandemic.
