Swiss, Austrians scrap almost all COVID-19 restrictions

The governments of Switzerland and Austria on Wednesday resolved that the time has come to end all forms of COVID-19 restrictions and restore normal life to citizens. The government of the two European countries, therefore, scrapped virtually all COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine mandate, previously imposed on citizens by the states.

According to the Swiss government, the conditions were right for a “rapid normalisation” of national life.

The Swiss government announced that from Thursday, the only coronavirus regulation in Switzerland will be the obligation to self-isolate for five days after a positive test and to wear masks on public transport and in healthcare institutions. The government revealed that these remaining regulations will cease to exist at the end of March.

The Swiss government in a statement indicated: “The Federal Council took the decision to lift the majority of measures in place to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

“Masks and COVID-19 certificates will no longer be required to enter shops, restaurants, cultural venues, and other public settings and events.

“The requirement to wear masks in the workplace and the recommendation to work from home will also end.”

Chancellor Karl Nehammer of Austria also disclosed that the government would drop most measures from March 5.

Chancellor Karl Nehammer noted that only mask-wearing in essential shops and public transport will remain compulsory, as well as entry restrictions at hospitals and other places with vulnerable groups.

According to Chancellor Karl Nehammer: “The outlook shows us that together we can cautiously and prudently but with determination take back the freedom that the virus took.

“From March 5, most of the restrictions that are burdening people will be lifted.”

Nehammer, however, remarked that the pandemic is not over yet, that the “coronavirus is still part of our lives” and that vaccination “remains important”.

Before, Switzerland and Austria, other European countries which include UK, Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway had lifted majority of COVID restrictions.

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The Swiss government declared: “Thanks to the high level of immunity among the population, it is unlikely that the healthcare system will be overburdened despite the continued high level of virus circulation.

“This means that the conditions are in place for a rapid normalisation of social and economic life.”