Swiss cantons will be allowed to shut down industrial activities if they show a risk of spreading coronavirus, the government has announced. The ruling, which comes with strict conditions, follows a decision by canton Ticino to ban certain manufacturing production.
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Autorizan paros en industrias bajo estrictos criterios
The government had only authorised the closure of industries or construction sites that did not meet rules on separation of workers and hygiene.
Ticino’s crackdown was condemned by one leading manufacturing association, Swissmem, which warned that production line closures could result in supply line bottlenecks throughout the country.
Canton Uri had also been criticised for ordering people aged over-65 to remain at home, despite Swiss government measures falling short of curfews.
At stake: financial aid
On Friday the government said production line closures would be allowed if certain conditions are met.
The health system of the affected canton must have reached saturation point, even after receiving support from other cantons. It must be shown that the industry cannot implement measures to prevent the spread of the virus and the shutdown must meet with the approval of “social partners”.
Industrial curfews are not allowed to affect the manufacture and supply of essential goods, such as medicines and food, the government said.
Failure to comply with the guidelines on the closure of manufacturing operations would disqualify workers from receiving financial aid from the state, the government said.
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Canton Ticino orders non-essential industry to cease production
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The southern Swiss canton of Ticino, which borders Italy, has ordered factories and production lines to temporarily close to combat the spread of coronavirus. The order has been branded excessive by a leading manufacturing association.
Further billions may be needed to save Swiss companies
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Earlier this week, the government increased its emergency funding from CHF10 billion to CHF42 billion ($42.6 billion). Some CHF14 billion will pay the wages of employees on short-time work, with CHF20 billion being offered as guaranteed loans and more funds targeted at specific industries. Non-essential high street shops and services have been ordered to shut…
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