Critics say tests against Covid should remain free because some students can only attend courses if they can present a health certificate.
Keystone/Davide Agosta
The Swiss government is facing increasing pressure to maintain free tests against Covid-19.
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A parliamentary health committee on Wednesday demanded the government review its plans to make people pay for asymptomatic tests.
It said free tests were a key factor to contain the spread of the virus and prevent overcapacity in hospitals.
Most main political parties as well as an online petition with more than 260,000 unvalidated signatures have also called for the tests to remain free of charge.
However, a majority of the 26 cantons has come out in favour of scrapping free tests.
The government is due to decide next Friday on its next steps. Initially it announced that it was planning to make people pay tests from October 1.
Covid certificate
Tests are one of three ways – besides a vaccination or a confirmation of having recovered from the viral infection – of obtaining a Covid certificate in Switzerland, which is necessary to get access to mass events, restaurants and indoor sports and culture venues.
Critics have rejected the certificate as an interference in the private sphere.
The issue has caused public controversy and triggered regular street protests.
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The request was launched by an individual on the Campax petition platform. It demands that tests remain free of charge for asymptomatic people after October 1, the deadline by which the government said it would scrap financial support for Covid testing. The extension of the health pass obligation to many public places coupled with out-of-pocket payments for tests would lead to an unequal…
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