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This week in Switzerland: What you need to know

The Local Switzerland
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This week in Switzerland: What you need to know
Autumn holidays are starting this week in two Swiss cantons. All of Switzerland’s schoolchildren are on vacation at one time or another during fall. Photo by Michael Morse from Pexels

From the start school holidays to Covid certificate news, here's what is happening in Switzerland this week.

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Weather overview for the week, according to MeteoSchweiz:

Hopes of a 'Golden October' appear good, at least early in the week, with sunny weather predicted and the fog expected to recede. 

The forecast is for the weather to be partially sunny for most of the week, with rain expected on Thursday and Friday in northern parts of the country. Temperatures will range from 4 to 20 degrees in some regions. 

You can see a detailed forecast for your area here.  

Autumn vacations in cantons Vaud and Fribourg

The two-week school breaks start in two French-speaking cantons.

Fall vacations are at different times in various cantons — from the end of September until the end of October.

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More anti-Covid protests planned

The city of Bern has approved a demonstration to take place on Saturday, October 23rd. 

The demonstration, another in a series which have taken place in Swiss cities and towns in recent weeks, will be carried out against the Covid certificate. 

The rallies are expected to grow in prominence in the coming weeks, with the validity of the Covid certificate set to be voted on in a referendum on November 28th. 

New way to obtain Covid certificate

Starting today, you can apply for the Covid certificate in Switzerland using an online form.

The canton where you are resident or staying in will issue the certificate.

Click the following link for more information on how to get a Covid certificate, whether you live in Switzerland or are just visiting. 

Canton-by-canton: How visitors can get Switzerland’s Covid certificate

This week it is possible to obtain Covid certificate online. Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP

The Health Ministry press conference

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) will hold its weekly press conference on Wednesday covering Covid-related subjects.

The topics for this week have not been released yet, but pressing matters include the decision on whether Covid certificates will be required at ski stations in the upcoming season.

READ MORE: Covid-19: What will the ski season look like in Switzerland this year?

Federal government to discuss whether Covid certificate 'is still proportionate'

Amid growing criticism of the country's Covid certificate requirement, Switzerland's Federal Council is set to meet this week to discuss whether the measure "is still proportionate" to its aims. 

The certificate, which was originally put in place in mid-September, shows proof of vaccination, recovery from the virus or a negative test and is required to enter restaurants, bars, events and other cultural venues. 

EXPLAINED: What are Switzerland’s new travel and Covid certificate rules?

Switzerland's Watson news organisation reported on Sunday that opposition is growing to the certificate from across the political spectrum. 

As a result, Health Minister Alain Berset said the Federal Council would meet to discuss the ongoing validity of the certificate or whether it should be altered. 

The Covid certificate is set to be in place until January 24th, 2022, however it can be would back if certain metrics are met, for instance higher vaccination rates or low hospitalisations. 

EXPLAINED: How long will Switzerland keep the Covid certificate in place?

 

 

 

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