GENEVA — Switzerland on Wednesday (Feb 16) eased coronavirus restrictions, including ending health checks for incoming travellers and the need to have COVID-19 passes to enter many public venues.
The Federal Council said from Thursday (Feb 17), masks and COVID certificates will no longer be required to enter shops, restaurants, cultural venues and other public settings and events. The requirement to wear masks in the workplace and the recommendation to work from home will also end. Only the requirements to isolate in the event of a positive test and to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare institutions will remain in place until the end of March to protect those at high risk, after which the situation status will return to normal.
From 17 February: Almost all measures lifted
From Thursday, 17 February, the following protective measures will be lifted throughout Switzerland:
mask requirement in shops, restaurants, as well as in other public settings (facilities, venues and events)
mask requirement in the workplace
access restrictions regulated by COVID certificate (3G, 2G and 2G+-rule) to facilities and venues such as cinemas, theatres and restaurants, as well as events
permit requirement for large-scale events
restrictions on private gatherings
Incoming Travellers will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test or complete an entry form for entering Switzerland.
