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Here’s how much you’ll be fined for breaching Switzerland’s coronavirus measures

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Here’s how much you’ll be fined for breaching Switzerland’s coronavirus measures
A sign in French urging people to wear a mask. Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

As at July 2021, fines are still in place for breaching Switzerland's Covid measures. Here's what you need to know.

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Anyone who violates a coronavirus measure in Switzerland is liable for a fine of between 50 and 200 francs. 

The initial fines were decided upon at a meeting on January 27th and were put in place from February 1st

Since then, the fines have been adjusted and monitored according to the Covid situation. 

While as at July 2021 most fines have been relaxed, guests are still subject to a penalty if they do not properly provide contact details when sitting inside at a restaurant. 

This could be by not signing in or by giving fake or incomplete information. 

Under the Epidemics Act (s83), guests who do so are liable for fines of between 50 and 200 francs

Companies who fail to ask for contact details and record them properly can be fined up to 5000 francs. 

They are in addition to existing fines of up to 10,000 francs for failing to quarantine. 

EXPLAINED: What are the details of Switzerland's coronavirus restrictions? 

Anyone who fails to wear a mask in public transport, stations or other areas where masks are required risks a fine of up to 200 francs. 

The fines can also be issued for anyone who participates in a prohibited event or who organises an event or gathering which contravenes the country’s coronavirus measures. 

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Under Switzerland's Epidemics Act, people can be fined up to CHF5,000 for negligent behaviour against coronavirus measures, and CHF10,000 for wilful behaviour. 

These fines are most often threatened for people who breach quarantine rules. 

What are some of the previous fines? 

As at July 2021, most of Switzerland's coronavirus measures have been relaxed. 

This has meant that most of the fines levied for breaching these measures no longer apply. 

However, at the peak of the second wave of the pandemic in January 2021, the following fines were levied all across the country. 

So what are the penalties for violating the Covid-19 rules?

  • Organising a private event attended by more than five people: 200 francs
  • Gathering of more than five people in public space: 50 francs
  • Participating in an illegally organised event: 100 francs
  • Not wearing a mask on public transportation or in an airport: 100 francs
  • Not wearing a mask at public demonstration: 100 francs
  • Standing up while consuming in a bar or restaurant: 100 francs
  • Not complying with a quarantine requirement: up to 10,000 francs

Hundreds of fines were handed out for breaking Covid-19 rules.

For example, the police in the canton of Zurich imposed around 100 fines in the first week of February alone. Vaud handed 106 fines, while in Geneva, Valais and Thurgau, between 30 and 40 fines were issued in the first days of February.

Most fines have been imposed for exceeding the limit of five people for both public and private gatherings, cantonal police departments report.

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