The Federal Council has announced a series of measures that move us a bit closer to normality – especially for those who are fully vaccinated.
The new rules come into force on Saturday, a bit earlier than expected and they are a little more wide-ranging.
The government says the previous relaxation didn’t lead to increased infections, case numbers or hospital admissions and the vaccine roll out is still going on.
From Saturday, restaurants can seat as many as they want, mask wearing in all outdoor or largely open areas will not be compulsory and more people will be allowed to enter the country.
For those who have a vaccine certificate, large scale events can go ahead, you can go to a nightclub, sporting events – professional and amateur, all without wearing a mask.
You will still need a mask on public transport and in shops. But you won’t need a mask at work and in secondary schools. The limit on the number of people in shops is also lifted.
But the government points out, companies and schools remain free to have their own mask policies in place.
Some mask wearing rules will be delegated back to the cantons.
It’s still a recommendation to work from home if you can, but companies no longer have to hold regular testing.
There are important differences between those who have been vaccinated and those who haven’t.
For those with a certificate – events with over 10,000 will be allowed and the venue’s full capacity can be used.
It’s not required to have a certificate if the event is less than 1,000 people and they’re all seated. If not seated, the limit is 250 indoors – 500 outdoors.
As expected, the government has extended the time the vaccine will offer protection – now it’s 12 months and not 6. This means a vaccine certificate will be valid for a year after the second jab.
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