The Federal Council is largely lifting the corona protection measures. The Federal Council justifies its decision as the epidemiological situation continues to develop positively. The overview of the measures decided:
As of Thursday, February 17, the following measures will be lifted:
- Masks are compulsory in shops and indoor areas of restaurants as well as in publicly accessible facilities, companies and events
- Mask requirement in the workplace
- Access restrictions by means of a certificate (3G, 2G and 2G+) to facilities and businesses such as cinemas, theaters and restaurants and at events
- Authorization required for major events
- Restrictions on private meetings
- Home office recommendation (rules to protect particularly vulnerable employees remain in place)
These measures will remain in place until March 31:
- Isolation of people who have tested positive
- Masks are compulsory on public transport and in health facilities (residents in retirement and nursing homes are excluded)
In addition, the cantons are free to order stricter protective measures or to exempt certain facilities from the mask requirement. For example, cantons could retain the certificate requirement. It is also possible that individual companies such as a family doctor’s practice or a hairdressing salon will prescribe masks. The restricted mask requirement is expected to apply until the end of March. The Federal Council reserves the right to lift the measure earlier “depending on the virus circulation”.
“Normal situation” from April 1: If the epidemiological situation develops “as expected”, the Federal Council plans to repeal the Covid 19 ordinance on April 1 and return to the “normal situation”. In the “normal situation”, the cantons would take over the scepter again in most points. The regulations remain in force within the framework of federal competences, such as international passenger transport and the assumption of costs for medicines.
Entry regulations adjusted: Proof of vaccination, recovery or test no longer needs to be presented when entering Switzerland. There is also no need to fill out the entry form.
Covid task force is disbanded: The Federal Council announced that the advisory mandate of the scientific task force would be dissolved at their request. The currently valid advisory mandate is limited to the end of May 2022. With the positive development, the need for scientific advice is changing. Individual members of the task force would continue to be available to the Federal Council and the federal administration for advice.
Covid certificates will continue to be issued: Covid certificates recognized by the EU will continue to be issued. These can be used, for example, for entering other countries that still require certificates or for certain areas in Germany. The Swiss Covid certificate, which was only valid in Switzerland, is no longer available.