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Coronavirus: What will and won’t be allowed to open in Switzerland on June 8th

The Local
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Coronavirus: What will and won’t be allowed to open in Switzerland on June 8th
An empty restaurant in Geneva. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

On Wednesday, the Swiss government will announce its next wave of lockdown regulations. A document leaked to the Swiss media shows what will - and what won’t - be allowed.

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On Wednesday, May 27th, Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset will announce which lockdown laws will be relaxed when the next easing of measures goes into effect on June 8th. 

According to Swiss news outlet Blick, who received a leaked copy of the next round of relaxations, they will include again allowing larger groups to meet as well as easing in schools, zoos and theatres. 

Swiss news outlet Watson reports that Berset is also set to end the state of emergency due to the low numbers of new and active infections. 

Groups, sporting events and demonstrations 

According to Blick, groups of up to 30 people will again be allowed to meet from June 8th. 

The maximum number will be higher for protests and for sporting events, with 300 people to be allowed to attend provided distancing and hygiene restrictions are adhered to. 

READ: Swiss brothels outline list of coronavirus-safe sex positions in a bid to end lockdown

This means organisers will need to ensure that a distance of two metres is kept between participants. 

Despite hopes that the limit would be extended to 1,000 people - as it was in the weeks before the stricter coronavirus lockdowns were put in place - this does not look likely in June. 

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Nightclubs

As reported by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung, Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset is expected to announce on Wednesday afternoon that the next round of lockdown relaxations, set to take place on June 8th, will include discos and nightclubs.

Although the risk of transmitting the coronavirus would appear high in nightclubs, the Swiss government is expected to require establishments to adhere to a range of distancing and hygiene rules. 

This is set to include a maximum of 300 people at each establishment, while the NZZ reports that patrons will also be expected to keep two metres apart at all times. 

Summer camps

Summer camps will again be allowed, provided they don’t exceed the maximum of 300 children. 

Restaurants: Data required but maximums scrapped

Pursuant to the current regulations, groups at restaurants in Switzerland cannot exceed four, and there is a voluntary requirement that all customers provide their data so that they can be tracked and contacted in the event of an outbreak. 

According to the report, the maximum of guests per table will be scrapped - but larger groups will be required to register, with the information of each attendee to be kept. 

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Southern border outcome unclear

One further issue to be discussed at the meeting is the fate of Switzerland’s southern border. 

While Switzerland has announced the borders with Austria, Germany and France will be opened on June 15th, Italy unilaterally announced on May 17th that it would be opening its borders on the June 3rd - much to the surprise of Swiss authorities. 

Swiss authorities caught by surprise by the re-opening of Italy's borders 

According to Blick, Swiss authorities hope to open the borders in a uniform fashion on June 15th. However if Italy opens the border earlier, it would be possible for Swiss residents and citizens to cross into and back out of Italy from June 3rd. 

What will happen at Switzerland's southern border? Image: AFP

What else will be opening? 

As reported previously, June 8th will also see the reopening of tourist attractions such as mountain railways and boat tours, outdoor pools and wellness facilities, zoos and parks, cinemas, theatres, concerts and casinos. 

Switzerland’s top-flight football competition - the Swiss Super League - will be allowed to resume from June 8th. 

 

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