Strict anti-Covid measures applied to Swiss mass events
Spectators in sports arenas - indoors or outside - must be seated and stadiums can only be at 2/3 of their capacities.
Keystone/Peter Schneider
The government has announced a series of conditions for the resumption of mass events in Switzerland, which have been limited since March to curb the spread of coronavirus infections.
Interior Minister Alain Berset, whose portfolio includes health issues, said events with more than 1,000 participants were important for society, notably sports and culture, as well as the economy.
“It’s good news for the public, but it’s a huge responsibility for the organisers,” Berset told a news conference on Wednesday.
As of October, mass events need permission by cantonal authorities which have to base their decisions on the epidemiological situation in the region and the tracing capacities. Organisers also have to put in place protection measures to prevent a new spike in Covid-19 cases.
National football and ice-hockey matches – the most popular sports events in Switzerland – are also allowed to admit crowds of spectators again.
Crowds
However, spectators must wear hygiene face masks and be seated. The maximum number of sold tickets must not exceed two thirds of the normal capacity. The sale of alcohol will be permitted.
Berset said Switzerland was one of the first countries in Europe to authorise a return of mass events.
However, Berset warned it is crucial for Switzerland that the pandemic remains under control during the autumn and winter months.
He acknowledged that the government decision made it particularly difficult for organisers of cultural events.
In a first reaction, the cantonal authorities have described their task as “very challenging”.
More
More
Sports clubs want fans returning to matches
This content was published on
Sports bodies, led by football and ice hockey, are warning the death of clubs unless crowd limits are eased. Both the SonntagsZeitung and NZZ am Sonntag report that on Wednesday the government will look into safety concepts that could allow this to happen at matches. A decision is not expected until later this month. Several…
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Swiss parties spent less than CHF1 million on February green vote
This content was published on
Swiss political parties spent CHF 700,000 ($840,000) on campaigns in the run-up to the overwhelmingly defeated vote on February 9, according to the Swiss Federal Audit Office.
This content was published on
Swisswool, the largest Swiss wool processor, is not accepting any wool for the first time this spring. For many sheep farmers, the only option is to get rid of the wool.
Swiss appeal to US Treasury Secretary for better cooperation
This content was published on
Swiss Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter met her US counterpart, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in Washington on Thursday.
This content was published on
After reaching a low point at the end of 2024, the Swiss job market showed the first signs of a slight recovery in the first quarter.
How the virus puts the Swiss political system to test
This content was published on
The coronavirus epidemic allows a privileged insight into the balance of power between Switzerlrand's national and the regional authorities.
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.