Events with more than 1,000 people will continue to be banned until October 1, the Swiss Government announced earlier this week. The ban, which has been in place since February 28, was previously set to expire at the end of August, but as many predicted, that date has been shifted back following a continued rise in confirmed Covid-19 cases around the country.
Although not exactly a surprise, the decision has come as a blow to some industries, including the sporting world. Most noteworthy is the cancellation of one of the most prestigious dates on the cycling calendar, the Road World Championships, originally scheduled for September 20-27 in Aigle-Martigny.
In a statement, the Swiss Government said it wants to ensure “that the epidemiological situation does not further deteriorate. At the same time, [the extension] is taking into account society’s need for a varied programme of cultural and sporting events”
“Strict protective measures” will also need to apply when normal-ish service (hopefully) resumes in October, and events will have to be authorised by individual cantons, “taking into account the local epidemiological situation and their contact tracing capacity.”
On the same day, the government also announced that face masks must be worn on flights from August 15. The new rule applies to “all scheduled and charter flights taking off from or landing in Switzerland, regardless of airline.”
As ever, check the Federal Council’s website for the latest information and safety measures, and double check that any venues you’re scheduled to head to in the near-future are definitely open and operating.
And remember that even without mass events, there’s still a heck of a lot to do around the country. Take a look at our pick of 50 ways to have the best summer in Switzerland.