Starting Monday, September 13, only fully vaccinated Americans and Canadians will be allowed to travel to Switzerland. Americans who have recovered from COVID-19 and who have recently tested positive will no longer be able to visit the country. Switzerland Tourism noted that the changes are due to the European Union removing the United States from its “safe travel list.”
Currently, according to Switzerland’s Federal Council, only certificates issued by countries participating in the E.U. Digital COVID Certificate are compatible with the Swiss system. Under the latest regulations, anyone who has been vaccinated abroad with a vaccine approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and who resides in or travels to Switzerland would be able to obtain a Swiss COVID Certificate.
In addition, as per the Federal Council, the extended COVID-19 certificate duty also comes into effect as of Monday, September 13, 2021. For any “public indoor activity,” including visiting restaurants or cultural and leisure facilities, and events held indoors, access will be granted upon providing a valid COVID certificate only. Such cultural and leisure facilities include museums, zoos, gyms, climbing halls, swimming pools, water parks, spas and casinos, as well as sporting venues, private events such as for a wedding, concerts and theaters. The restriction excludes visiting shops and commuting by public transportation.
The above measures expire January 24, 2022.
Speaking on the decision, the Federal Council said, “The situation in hospitals remains strained; occupancy rates in intensive care units are extremely high. In some cantons, operations are being postponed and, in some cases, patients are being transferred to other hospitals. A rapid rise in hospital admissions and consequently an overburdening of the system due to the cooler autumn weather cannot be ruled out.”
According to The New York Times, Switzerland is seeing nearly 2,800 average daily new cases—a 9 percent increase over the past 14 days. Fifty-nine percent of its population is partially vaccinated with 53 percent fully vaccinated.
The Federal Council, Switzerland Tourism added, has launched a consultation with cantons and social partners, as well as industry associations for a specific solution for unvaccinated international guests. Options include repeated testing or quarantines. The consultation ends September 14, and a decision by the Federal Council can be expected by September 17 with any solution to be implemented before September 20.
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