As cases of Covid-19 continue to rise across Switzerland, new, stricter measures are being introduced to help slow the spread of the virus.
On October 14, the number of new Covid-19 cases from across Switzerland confirmed in the previous 24 hours was 2,823 and the number of tests taken was 20,704. There were 57 hospitalisations during that time and eight deaths.
Zurich responded by tightening its rules around face masks. Indoor events of more than 30 people now require everyone to wear a mask if social distancing isn’t possible, and service staff must also now wear face coverings as well. Masks also need to be worn in clubs, bars and restaurants which aren’t sit-down-only.
Zurich Mayor Corine Mauch and city councillor Andreas Hauri addressed the rising case numbers in a video message posted on Zurich City Council’s Facebook page. In the video, Mauch asked residents to keep following safety and hygiene rules to prevent “very drastic measures” being imposed again.
In Geneva, public events (including meeting at outside spaces, such as parks) are now limited to 15 people (gatherings of more than 15 people need a permit to take place) and private events can have 100 people at most, with masks needing to be worn. School trips that include overnight stays have also been cancelled at Geneva schools. Additionally, face masks are compulsory in indoor public spaces around Geneva.