Yesterday, 28 October, COVID-19 cases in Switzerland reached a new single -day record of 8600+ cases. In addition to new cantonal restrictions (issued last week), the Swiss federal government announced further restrictions in an effort to decrease the rate of infection by (at least) 50 percent, and to prevent the country’s hospitals and healthcare system from being overwhelmed. These new rules go into effect today, 29 October, for the foreseeable future.
Broadly, the new federal restrictions are the following (per WRS):
- Institutions of higher learning will (from Monday, 2 November) move lessons/coursework online. Public schools and high schools will remain open, but with a mask requirement in place for secondary II level schools (the level following obligatory education).
- Masks will have to be worn in offices and all public indoor areas. They will also have to be worn outside if 1.5-meter distances can’t be maintained.
- Private gatherings of 10+ people are banned, and any public events with more than 50 people.
- Nightclubs are closed. Other bars and restaurants will close by 23:00.
- The government will also start to issue rapid testing kits – 50,000 a day will be handed out. That’s in addition to the 30,000 a day of the older tests.
- Existing quarantine restrictions have been lifted on people arriving in Switzerland from abroad. New restrictions only apply to countries with a higher infection rate than Switzerland.
These federal restrictions will continue indefinitely, again with the goal of halving the infection rate. Each canton can introduce stricter requirements, however the federal laws are the minimum and can’t be loosened. By adhering to these requirements, we can (hopefully!) avoid further limits or a full lockdown.
Two major Geneva events have been cancelled: The Noël au Jardin and Les Automnales.
For more COVID-19 information, and English-language Swiss news, check out the following links:
We are a group of international women living in Geneva, Switzerland. If you would like to learn more about our activities and excursions, visit our website at http://www.aiwcgeneva.org/
Living In Geneva 
Dear Katherine, Are you sure the “collèges”( high schools) have also been closed ? Best, Lisa
Lisa Godin-Roger +41 78 601 0577
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Thank you, Lisa! Bad editing on my part, thank you for catching the error. I’ve updated it now to reflect correct information on mask wearing.