Coronavirus: Federal Council tightens measures against the pandemic
Bern, 3.12.2021 - From Monday, 6 December, COVID certificates will be required and face masks will have to be worn in a wider range of situations; people will be urged to work from home and the validity of rapid antigen tests will be reduced. Furthermore, at events and venues subject to a certificate requirement, it will be permitted to restrict access to people who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID; guests and customers would then not have to wear masks. These are the decisions taken by the Federal Council at its meeting on 3 December after consulting the cantons, social partners and the relevant parliamentary committees. These measures reflect the sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital and the emergence of the new Omicron variant. The new measures will remain in place until 24 January 2022. In addition, stricter rules on testing will come into force for persons entering the country. In return, all countries will be removed from the current quarantine list.