The government of Switzerland has decided to lift nearly all COVID-19 restrictions as infection rates have dipped massively in the country. From now on, people won’t have to show COVID certificates in restaurants, bars or theaters.
As far as incoming travellers are concerned, they will no longer be required to show a proof of vaccination, or recovery or a negative test report. There’s no need to complete any entry form as well while entering the country. However, self-isolation is mandatory for people infected with the virus.
Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said at a press conference, “Switzerland is taking a decisive and important step towards normality. The virus is there. We are learning how to live with the virus.”
In a nation of about 8.5 million people, the health authorities have reported some 21000 new daily infection cases and 10 new deaths. This rate has gone down steadily since a 7-day average of more than 36000 cases per day.
It was in October 2021 that the country reported a fast growth in the number of COVID-19 infections when the Omicron variant spread quite rapidly in the country. On February 8, health experts announced that the seven-day average daily figure has gone down.
The Swiss government, in a statement, has stated that the epidemiological situation continues to develop positively given the high level of immunity in the population. It further said that it is unlikely that the healthcare system will be overloaded now. It further added, “This means that the conditions are in place for a rapid normalisation of social and economic life.”
On Wednesday, the country recorded a total of 21032 new cases.
