ZURICH: Switzerland plans to ban all public events other than church services and legislative conferences and further restrict personal gatherings after Dec 12, because it mentioned on Tuesday (Dec 8) that the COVID-19 situation was deteriorating.
It’s beginning talks with the nation’s 26 cantons over the proposals because it prepares for the new restrictions.
The announcement got here because the Federal Office of Public Health reported 92 extra deaths, taking the demise toll in Switzerland and neighboring Liechtenstein to 5,116. The variety of cases rose by 4,262 cases to 358,568, it mentioned.
The government additionally plans to order restaurants, shops, and markets to shut at 7 pm through Jan 20 in an effort to limit the unfold of the virus. It additionally goals to limit the number of people who might meet in households to five.
“The variety of new infections is excessive and is rising once more, beds in intensive care units are stretched,” the government mentioned. “The more and more chilly temperatures and bad climate could have accelerated the infection rate.”
After getting suggestions from the cantons, the Swiss authorities plan to fulfill again on Friday, forward of a choice on the brand new measures due to begin at the weekend.
“The numbers are increasing exponentially – too rapidly and too strongly. We wish cut back contact and the variety of infections,” Swiss President Simonetta Sommaruga mentioned
“If we do not act rapidly sufficient, the worst of the pandemic remains to be to return,” she added. “Then, even more, drastic measures shall be wanted.”
The proposals into consideration by the Swiss authorities don’t lengthen to doors sports activities, including snowboarding, Health Minister Alain Berset mentioned.
Switzerland has already introduced a raft of measures designed to limit the viruses spread in ski areas, including capability limits on transport, however, plans to maintain the slopes open in contrast to neighbors France, Italy, and Germany.
Also on Tuesday, Switzerland, and Italy announced a cross-border train service that could be halted from Thursday.
