Government moots more Covid measures, including partial closures

A week after tightening certificate and mask-wearing rules, the government has again proposed new measures to stem surging Covid-19 infections and ease the pressure on hospitals. The situation remains “critical”, said President Guy Parmelin on Friday, as the government sent two possible scenarios for consultation by cantons before a decision will be taken next Tuesday. The first scenario foresees a roll-out of the so-called “2G” rule, limiting entry to indoor public places – restaurants, bars, concert halls, cinemas etc. – to those who are either fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or recovered from it. In this scenario, which would thus exclude unvaccinated people with a negative test from indoor activities, mask-wearing would also be compulsory. There would also be the obligation – in the case of restaurants and bars – to eat while sitting. For nightclubs and other places where this seated consumption isn’t possible, a stricter version of the rule could add the need to show...