Poll finds Swiss want tougher mask regime on public transport
A growing majority of Swiss residents favour an official order for passengers in public transport to wear protective masks but very few appear to do so voluntarily.
An opinion poll by the Tamedia newspaper group, published on Monday, found that more than two out of three respondents would prefer masks to be mandatory in trains and buses to protect people against the infectious Covid-19 virus.
External Content
Never miss a top story: subscribe to our weekly newsletter now.
The figure is slightly higher compared with a similar poll from April.
Just over 26,000 people took part in the latest survey which has a margin of error of +/-1.4%, according to the organisers.
The findings come as organisations representing staff at public transport companies are considering moves to convince the government to upgrade its recommendation for the wearing of protective masks.
They criticised the fact that personnel must wear masks to protect itself, but passengers don’t, the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper quoted a senior official from train staff.
The organisations estimate that only about 5% of passengers in trains wear masks, even in crowded trains.
The chief executive of the national railway operator (SBB/CFF), Vincent Ducrot, has dismissed the request, saying the Federal Railways were applying government regulations.
The government has advised the general public to wear a mask if they can’t keep a minimum distance of two metres from others. A week ago, public transport companies resumed full service after a break of about two months.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
This content was published on
As Swiss public transport prepares to resume normal schedules, Swiss Railways has presented plans for preventing the spread of coronavirus.
Protective masks remain optional for the Swiss public
This content was published on
The government has decided not to oblige residents to wear face masks as the country starts relaxing coronavirus restrictions.
This content was published on
Jump on, ride to your stop, hop off — without offending anybody. Sounds easy, but it’s not, warns a guru of Swiss transport etiquette.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.