Switzerland in a state of “extraordinary situation” until April 19
The Federal Council decreed Monday the state of emergency in Switzerland because of the coronavirus. Citing an “extraordinary situation”, the executive decided to take new measures valid for all the cantons without consultation.
Restaurants, bars, non-essential shops as well as places of leisure and entertainment will therefore remain closed until at least April 19. The Federal Council also ensured that the food supply for the whole population was assured, and that food stores and pharmacies remained open. Also open are delivery services, post offices, banks and petrol stations. Coop and Migros, however, are overwhelmed by requests for home delivery. Their respective sites, Coop @ home and LeShop, are no longer able to meet demand.
Border controls with Germany, France and Austria will be introduced, as was already the case with Italy.
The Federal Council called up 8,000 soldiers at the service of the health system, logistics and security until the end of June. This is unheard of since World War II.
Public transport is reduced. From Thursday March 19, international trains will only run to border stations and tourism offers are cancelled.
While Switzerland is now living in slow motion, France has entered general confinement as have done previously Spain and Italy. Europe is closing its borders to curb the spread of the coronavirus, described by the WHO as “the major global health crisis of our time”.
