Coronavirus: Masks compulsory on public transport; quarantine for travellers from high-risk regions; lifting of certain entry restrictions from 20 July

(Last modification 22.07.2020)

Bern, 01.07.2020 - At its meeting on 1 July, the Federal Council took decisions on various measures to prevent the renewed spread of the coronavirus. In view of the increasing volume of people travelling and the rising number of new infections since mid-June, it has decided to make masks compulsory on public transport throughout the country from Monday, 6 July. In addition, travellers from certain regions will have to go into quarantine. Entry restrictions are expected to be lifted for an initial group of third countries from 20 July.

More people are travelling on public transport since the Federal Council largely lifted measures to fight the coronavirus epidemic. As a result, it is often not possible to respect the recommended distance. In view of the increasing volume of people travelling, and the rising number of new infections since mid-June, the Federal Council is reinforcing its protective measures and has subsequently taken a fundamental decision to make the wearing of masks compulsory in all forms of public transport nationwide. From Monday, 6 July, persons over the age of 12 will have to wear a mask in trains, trams and buses, as well as on mountain rail and cableways and on lake and river boats. The amended ordinance will be adopted and published tomorrow.

An urgent recommendation is already in place to wear a mask when travelling on public transport at peak times. However, few people are heeding this advice. Today’s decision by the Federal Council also comes in response to expert recommendations and at the request of certain cantons. The World health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) also recommend that masks be worn if it is not possible to respect the necessary distance.

Quarantine for travellers from certain areas

Since mid-June, the number of new cases of coronavirus has been rising in Switzerland as infected persons have entered the country from countries within the Schengen area and from non-Schengen countries. Consequently, with effect from Monday, 6 July, travellers entering Switzerland from certain regions will have to go into quarantine for ten days. The FOPH has a list of the countries concerned, which it updates regularly. Travellers affected will be notified during the flight, on board coaches and at border crossings. They will have to register with the cantonal authorities on arrival. The new ordinance will be adopted and published tomorrow. Airlines and travel companies will also be instructed not to transport sick passengers.

Entry restrictions to remain in place until 20 July

At its meeting on 1 July 2020, the Federal Council took note of the EU Council recommendations on lifting the entry restrictions that will apply to 15 specific countries from 1 July. Switzerland is expected to follow these recommendations, but from 20 July and with the exception of Serbia. On 20 July, the Federal Department of Justice and Police FDJP intends to remove Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay and the EU states outside the Schengen area (Bulgaria, Ireland, Croatia, Romania and Cyprus) from the list of high-risk countries. China is also expected to be removed from the list in line with the EU recommendations, provided it guarantees reciprocal rights of entry to people travelling from Switzerland.


Address for enquiries

Requirement to wear masks and border health checks:
Federal Office of Public Health,
Infoline Coronavirus +41 58 463 00 00
Infoline for people travelling to Switzerland +41 58 464 44 88

Lifting of entry restrictions:
State Secretariat for Migration
+41 58 465 78 44, medien@sem.admin.ch



Publisher

The Federal Council
https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html

General Secretariat FDHA
http://www.edi.admin.ch

Federal Department of Justice and Police
http://www.ejpd.admin.ch

State Secretariat for Migration
https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html

Federal Office of Public Health
http://www.bag.admin.ch

https://www.bag.admin.ch/content/bag/en/home/das-bag/aktuell/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-79711.html