The Federal Council announced Friday that schools will be closed across the country until April 4 at the earliest. Previously, the cantons of Vaud and Fribourg had already communicated an identical measure until the end of April, with adjustments possible in some cases. Neuchâtel followed soon after.
All gatherings of more than 100 people are also prohibited in Switzerland until April 30. Several cantons lower this limit to 50 people. Places of entertainment (theater, cinema, restaurants, ski resorts) are also affected.
The government has also decided to reintroduce Schengen controls at all its borders, with immediate effect and on a case-by-case basis. Entry into Switzerland from a country on the At-Risk list is therefore only authorized to Swiss citizens, to people who have a residence permit in Switzerland as well as to those who have to travel to Switzerland for professional reasons. Transit and transport of goods remain authorized. Persons with compelling reasons will also be allowed to enter Switzerland. Currently, only Italy is on the at-risk list of countries.
Public transport should be avoided as much as possible. Vulnerable people and the elderly should not use them. Employers must adapt their employees’work schedules to allow them to avoid peak hours. They should also allow teleworking where possible.
On a positive note, with around 0.8% of fatal cases, Switzerland is still one of the countries where the virus kills the least.