Swiss tighten measures amid new virus wave - Wauchope Gazette

Switzerland has announced tighter restrictions to tackle a second coronavirus wave hitting the country, including a nation-wide obligation to wear masks and a ban on large scale public gatherings. Gatherings of more than 15 people in public places will be banned from Monday and masks must be worn in all indoor public places, the government announced following an extraordinary meeting. An order to wear masks on public transport has been extended to cover train stations, airports, bus and tram stops, the government said, replacing a patchwork of regulations which applied across different regions. The obligation to wear a mask will also apply to shops, banks, churches and cinemas, the government said. It recommended people work from home if they can. "The COVID-19 infection rate has increased at a very quick rate," Swiss president Simonetta Sommaruga told reporters in Bern. "Unlike before it is affecting all cantons and all age groups. "With winter coming it is very important to slow the spread of the virus now. Every day counts." Switzerland, a country of 8.6 million people, on Friday reported the highest daily number of infections since the COVID-19 crisis began, with 3105 new cases. So far 74,422 people have been infected with the virus and 1823 people have died. Sommaruga said the government would impose more drastic restrictions if the new ones did not work. Health Minister Alain Berset confirmed the second wave of the coronavirus had materialised "earlier and stronger than we thought but we are prepared for the situation". Australian Associated Press

Switzerland has announced tighter restrictions to tackle a second coronavirus wave hitting the country, including a nation-wide obligation to wear masks and a ban on large scale public gatherings.

Gatherings of more than 15 people in public places will be banned from Monday and masks must be worn in all indoor public places, the government announced following an extraordinary meeting.

An order to wear masks on public transport has been extended to cover train stations, airports, bus and tram stops, the government said, replacing a patchwork of regulations which applied across different regions.

The obligation to wear a mask will also apply to shops, banks, churches and cinemas, the government said. It recommended people work from home if they can.

"The COVID-19 infection rate has increased at a very quick rate," Swiss president Simonetta Sommaruga told reporters in Bern.

"Unlike before it is affecting all cantons and all age groups.

"With winter coming it is very important to slow the spread of the virus now. Every day counts."

Switzerland, a country of 8.6 million people, on Friday reported the highest daily number of infections since the COVID-19 crisis began, with 3105 new cases.

So far 74,422 people have been infected with the virus and 1823 people have died.

Sommaruga said the government would impose more drastic restrictions if the new ones did not work.

Health Minister Alain Berset confirmed the second wave of the coronavirus had materialised "earlier and stronger than we thought but we are prepared for the situation".

Australian Associated Press

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2020-10-18 21:35:22Z
CBMiXGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndhdWNob3BlZ2F6ZXR0ZS5jb20uYXUvc3RvcnkvNjk3Mzk5Mi9zd2lzcy10aWdodGVuLW1lYXN1cmVzLWFtaWQtbmV3LXZpcnVzLXdhdmUv0gEA

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