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'ID and a functioning phone': These new rules will apply in Zurich nightclubs as of Friday

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'ID and a functioning phone': These new rules will apply in Zurich nightclubs as of Friday
A pre-Covid photo of nightclub life. Photo by Harrison Haines from Pexels

In order to combat the spread of the coronavirus while keeping nightlife venues open, new rules will be put in place in Zurich as of Friday.

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From Friday onwards, new rules will apply to anyone entering a nightclub in Zurich. 

All patrons will need to provide valid ID which will be checked by security. 

In addition, patrons will need to provide a number for a functioning smartphone - which will be checked by security. 

As reported in Swiss media outlet Watson, the number will be checked through an ‘old fashioned call’ - i.e. security will call the patron’s number and see that it is the same as the phone they are carrying. 

The list must be sent within two hours by the club to the cantonal authorities. 

In addition, clubs can make it a requirement of entry that patrons download the SwissCovid app - although authorities said in a press conference on Wednesday that the app would not be made compulsory for partygoers at a cantonal level. 

Patrons are still required to keep 1.5 metres distance from each other at all times. 

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Why are the strict new requirements coming into place? 

The new steps come after a number of outbreaks at clubs across Switzerland, with several reported in the past few days. 

With more coronavirus outbreaks, did Switzerland reopen nightclubs too soon?

More than 500 people have been put on quarantine due to the outbreaks in several cantons. 

One high profile “superspreader” example came from Zurich’s Flamingo Club, where an infected attendee forced 300 people into quarantine. 

Five people have since tested positive from the club, with authorities saying that the data of those infected was not kept at the front desk as is the requirement for all nightclubs. 

A perusal of the list showed that there were several fake names and email addresses, which prompted the new rules. 

In a press conference on Wednesday, cantonal legal director Christian Schumacher said clubs were required to keep detailed and valid information about their attendees. 

“The clubs have to check the guest's ID and mobile number. You have to know whether Peter Muster really is Peter Muster,” said Schuhmacher. 

“It just has to work. If we continue to find funny email addresses like DonaldDuck @ USA, we'll have to take harder steps.”

 

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Anonymous 2020/07/02 01:04
If clubs would require the SwissCovid app, wouldn't that contradict the federal regulations?<br /><br />From the FOPH website:<br />----<br />Can a shop or restaurant demand that customers have the app installed before being allowed on their premises?<br /><br />No. Use of the SwissCovid app is regulated in the Epidemics Act as follows: “Participation in the PT [proximity tracing] system is voluntary for everyone. Authorities, organisations and individuals may not discriminate for or against any person because they have participated in the PT system; divergent agreements are void.”<br />---

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