A light at the end of the tunnel? In view of the lower and further reducing infection and fatality rates, the Swiss federal council announced a plan to exit the current COVID restrictions.

Despite less than 2% of the population having been fully vaccinated, on 17th February the federal council announced a cautious easing of measures to allow society to begin to reopen and activity to resume, although measures will continue to prevent a third wave of the disease. The plan is dependent as much on statistics as it is on dates.

Phase 1 – 1st March:

  • All shops, libraries, zoos and botanical gardens to reopen.
  • Leisure and sports facilities can resume operations.
  • Gatherings of up to 15 people will be allowed.

People under 18 can take part in sport and cultural activities with few restrictions.

Phase 2: March-April will allow further opening of cultural and sporting events, and outdoor dining. this phase will depend on:

  • Test positivity is below 5%,
  • < 25% of ICU beds occupied by Covid-19 patients,
  • 7-day R-value <= 1
  • 14-day infection rate lower than on 1 March.

Some cantons are considering opening restaurants already in March. The federal council’s next review of this plan is to take place on 24th February.

Accurity is an employment services provider and was founded over 20 years ago. We specialise in employment services for contractors including labour leasing. Since our launch we have worked with over 400 client companies and 3’000 freelancers and contractors from all walks of life. Our team of experts is available to answer all your questions.