Coronavirus: Federal Council extends measures by a week and decides on gradual easing
Bern, 08.04.2020 - The measures introduced to combat the coronavirus epidemic are being followed well and are having the desired effect. They will be extended by a week until Sunday, 26 April, but should then gradually begin to be eased before the end of the month. That is the decision taken by the Federal Council at its meeting on 8 April. The Federal Council will decide on steps to ease the measures at its next meeting on 16 April.
The COVID-19 epidemic has spread widely in Switzerland. However, the speed at which it is spreading has slowed significantly in recent days. The measures put in place to combat the virus are being followed well by the public and are having the desired effect.
In view of this epidemiological trend and based on the recommendations of scientific advisors, the Federal Council is extending the measures in place to combat the COVID-19 epidemic by a week until Sunday, 26 April. However, the first careful steps towards gradually easing the measures should commence before the end of the month.
The criteria for easing the measures are the number of new infections, hospital admissions and deaths. A further decisive factor is how well the rules on hygiene and social distancing are being adhered to and whether people are avoiding gathering in large numbers. The Federal Council will decide on steps to ease the measures at its next meeting on 16 April.
Various conditions must be met if steps to ease measures are to be implemented successfully. The procedure must be coordinated both domestically and with other countries, and with the involvement of the business and scientific communities. Sufficient personnel and resources for testing and contact tracing are also necessary. The Federal Council will closely monitor the situation when measures are eased so it can respond immediately if necessary.
The Federal Council's aims continue to be to protect the population, particularly its more vulnerable members, to curb the further spread of the disease, and to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed. Switzerland should continue to be supplied with essential goods and
the impact on society and the economy should be minimised.
In view of the epidemiological situation in the canton of Ticino, the Federal Council has authorised the cantonal authorities to extend restrictions on the economic sector until 19 April.
Address for enquiries
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
info@bag.admin.ch
FOPH Coronavirus Infoline +41 58 463 00 00
Publisher
The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html
General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch
Federal Office of Public Health
http://www.bag.admin.ch
