Other cantons may follow with similar measures, announced the federal health office on Thursday.
The hardest-hit Swiss canton is attempting to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was here that first infections were detected, and the virus appears to have since started to spread locally.
By declaring a “state of necessity”, the cantonal authorities are taking a series of unusual emergency measuresExternal link that discourage but do not ban participation in public life for people at particular risk.
On Wednesday, the same day that the Geneva-based World Health Organization labelled coronavirus as a pandemic, the Ticino cantonal authorities said its emergency measures would stay in place until March 29. The shut-down does not affect higher education or vocational training establishments.
Among the 12 measures introduced in Ticino is one that discourages people over 65 from looking after children or taking public transport. Restaurants have also been told to limit seatings to no more than 50 people.
Border crossings
Also on Wednesday, the Swiss government closed nine border crossing points to Italy. The move is designed to better control and monitor the influx of workers from its southern neighbour. However, the government has resisted closing down the border altogether. Prior to the outbreak, around 68,000 people commuted for work from Italy each day.
A delegation from Ticino met with federal government ministers and said that other measures would be considered to control the spread of the virus. But officials did not specify which measures are under consideration.
SWISS International Air Lines has now suspended all flights to Italy, along with other European destinations such as Stuttgart, Nuremburg and Bordeaux. The suspension will continue until early April.
Swiss Federal Railways has also restricted its schedule to Venice and Milan, it announced on Wednesday.
Italy remains in a lockdown, including travel restrictions and a ban on public gatherings, as the death toll rises.
More
More
What does the lockdown in Italy mean for Switzerland?
This content was published on
The Italian government’s decision to impose travel restrictions on Italy has raised fears for the economy in Ticino.
Clarification: An earlier version of this story referred to the emergency measures as a “state of emergency”, whereas the Ticino authorities have described the emergency measures as being part of a “state of necessity”.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burqa ban’ and pension hikes
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Swiss plan 1,600 extra trains for Eurovision, Women’s EURO 2025 and other events
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways is planning to operate 1,600 additional trains to transport passengers to special events in 2025, such as the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Swiss study: higher prices for cheese with protected geographical indication
This content was published on
Indications of geographical origin play a central role in the cheese trade, a study by the Agroscope research centre shows.
Swiss campaigners launch another ‘responsible business initiative’
This content was published on
A coalition has launched a new "responsible business initiative", urging the government to ensure that Swiss-based multinationals and their subsidiaries abroad respect human rights and protect the environment.
Swiss court suspends Geneva plan to ban single-use plastics
This content was published on
A Geneva court has suspended a ban on the sale of single-use plastics in the city, which was due to be introduced on January 1. This follows an appeal by Swiss retailers to the Federal Court.
Swiss cable car firms and hotels report positive winter so far
This content was published on
The Swiss cable car association and Switzerland Tourism have reported higher visitor numbers at winter resorts over the Christmas and New Year period compared to 2023/24.
UBS expects Swiss National Bank to record CHF80bn profit in 2024
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is expected to make a net profit of CHF80 billion ($88.4 billion) in 2024, according to UBS.
This content was published on
Consumer prices fell last year in Switzerland, new figures show. Higher rents and electricity prices were partially offset by lower prices for gas and prescription drugs.
This content was published on
New data from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) shows that flu cases doubled in Switzerland between mid and late December.
Swiss bank Julius Bär sells its Brazilian operation
This content was published on
Swiss private bank Julius Bär has signed an agreement to sell its operation in Brazil for 615 million reais, or CHF91 million ($100.7 million).
Historian claims Swiss banks may hold further Second World War secrets
This content was published on
Bank archives could still hold secrets about Swiss actions during the Second World War and should be re-examined, especially those of UBS, says Marc Perrenoud, a historian who worked on the Bergier Commission.
No ‘ghost flights’ to Zurich airport, authorities say
This content was published on
With passenger numbers down due to Covid-19, some airlines want authorities to loosen rules maintain that airport landing slots are lost unless fully used.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.