Everyday life will be back on Monday. The autumn holidays are over in the last Swiss-German cantons.
Schools have been running again in Aargau for a week. There, the holiday returnees are already worried in the schools. The corona numbers are rising again at 20 schools and in 26 school classes. Children are tested in schools, the federal government bears the costs.
But what if vaccinated or recovered holiday makers want to test themselves voluntarily? “The costs for individual testing for asymptomatic people have to be paid for themselves since October 11, even if no certificate is issued,” the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) told Blick.
Virologist Andreas Cerny (70) comments: “It is unfortunate when the costs become an obstacle to testing, because at the moment the epidemic affects young adults and children who often have little or no symptoms.”
“Implement rules more consistently”
In the current situation, wouldn’t it make more sense to impose compulsory tests on all travelers? Jan Fehr (48), infectiologist at the University of Zurich, says: “It would of course be even safer if a reliable negative test result had to be presented upon entry.” But for the infectiologist it is clear: “First, Switzerland must implement the requirements that are currently in force more consistently.”
With this, Fehr refers, among other things, to the entry rules of the federal government. To prevent the number of cases from exploding again, the Federal Council launched stricter rules in September. Unvaccinated people do not come into the country without a test.
In addition, almost all those entering Switzerland have to fill out a form to return to Switzerland. The rules apply regardless of the chosen means of transport. And they also apply to border crossings on foot and by bike.
Blick shows what you need to consider when returning from the autumn vacation
What do unvaccinated people have to present when entering Switzerland?
Since Monday, September 20, 2021, people who have not been vaccinated or recovered have to present a negative test upon entry. In addition, they must submit an entry form online that Passenger Locator Form (download here), to complete. They need to be tested a second time after four to seven days.
Why is a second test required on days 4 to 7?
As people entering the country get infected shortly before they arrive and can still be tested negative at this point in the incubation period, a second test is required on days 4 to 7.
What are the rules for those who have recovered? Do they have to be double vaccinated?
No, those who have recovered only need their Covid certificate and the entry form to enter the country. If you have had Covid for more than six months ago, those who have recovered have to be vaccinated once.
So there are no new requirements for vaccinated people?
Indeed. Vaccinated people must also fill out the entry form. However, they are not required to test.
The new entry regime only applies to air travelers, doesn’t it?
No! It doesn’t matter whether the unvaccinated people arrive by car, bus, train or plane. The new border regime applies to all traffic routes.
Do I have to submit a PCR test or is a rapid antigen test sufficient?
Both tests are accepted upon entry, but they are valid for different lengths of time. The PCR test must not be older than 72 hours upon entry, the rapid antigen test must not be older than 48 hours.
Are children affected, if so, from what age?
The compulsory test applies from the age of 16 years. Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the obligation to test. However, an entry form must be filled out for children and young people of all ages to enter the country.
I don’t have internet access to fill out the form online. How do I proceed?
Have someone print out the form, for example your hotel. The paper version is on the BAG website available.
An unvaccinated Thurgauer wants to go to Konstanz (D) for his weekly shopping. Does he have to be tested on the return journey?
No. He only moves in the German border area. That is why he does not have to be tested or fill out a registration form on the return journey.
Does it matter which Covid vaccine was pecked for entry?
Yes, the Covid vaccines of the following manufacturers are accepted for entry: Pfizer / Biontech, Moderna, Astrazeneca, Janssen / Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm / BIBP and Sinovac. You can find more information on following website of the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH).
How does the federal government control the new border regime?
Over 2 million people and 1 million vehicles cross the Swiss border every day. Controlling every single person is simply impossible. The customs authorities are required to carry out risk-based controls. The cantons carry out spot checks to determine whether non-recovered and non-vaccinated people have actually taken the second test.
What threats test refusers?
If you cannot show a negative test at the border, you have to do it immediately after entering Switzerland. There is also a threat of a fine of 200 francs. Those who do not take the second test also have to pay a fine of 200 francs. If the entry form is missing, 100 francs are due.