An online petition demanding that Covid tests remain free in Switzerland has amassed significant support in four days. By Monday, it had collected over 200,000 signatures. Assuming no duplicate or fake entries, that represents 2.3% in a population of 8.54 million.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ds
The request was launched by an individual on the Campax petition platform. It demands that tests remain free of charge for asymptomatic people after October 1, the deadline by which the government said it would scrap financial support for Covid testing.
The extension of the health pass obligation to many public places coupled with out-of-pocket payments for tests would lead to an unequal treatment for about 40% of the Swiss population who do not want to be vaccinated, the petition argues. Many people would not be able to pay for the tests and would therefore be excluded from certain parts of public life.
As of Monday, Swiss people are required to present a Covid certificate to enter restaurants, cinemas and sports facilities, among other venues. The goal is to prevent entire sectors from being closed again or certain activities from being banned, according to the government. The health pass serves as proof a person has been vaccinated for Covid-19, had the disease or has a negative test result.
At the end of August, the government decided it would stop covering the costs of Covid testing – a decision it estimates would save about CHF400 million ($434 million) per year. Interior Minister Alain Berset explained it is no longer justified to make taxpayers pay for the high costs of these tests, as everyone has the possibility to be vaccinated.
In a bid to avoid new virus waves and lockdowns, many countries in Europe are now obliging their residents, as well as travellers, to present their Covid-19 passport to enter indoor public spaces. Opponents see the restriction as an encroachment of civil liberties and a form of discrimination against the unvaccinated.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
Study to investigate discrimination against gay and lesbian soldiers in Swiss army
This content was published on
The Swiss government has commissioned an investigation into whether homosexuals in Switzerland’s armed forces have experienced injustice.
Burek King loses battle for the crown to Burger King
This content was published on
Fast-food chain Burek King has lost out to Burger King after a court confirmed the likelihood of confusion between the two brands.
Swiss Senate approves package to combat rising healthcare costs
This content was published on
The Senate wants to get a grip on rising healthcare costs through increased coordination, confidential pricing models and cheaper medicines.
Swiss government websites hit by cyberattacks ahead of Ukraine summit
This content was published on
Various Swiss government websites and organisations involved in the Ukraine peace summit were the target of cyberattacks this morning.
Swiss government’s torture instruments act clears first hurdle
This content was published on
Switzerland's House of Representatives has adopted a new act on instruments of torture proposed by the government last year.
This content was published on
Zurich Airport saw significantly more passengers in May 2024 than in the same month last year and exceeded 2019 monthly levels for the first time.
This content was published on
Switzerland’s House of Representatives voted in favour of a motion to ban disposable e-cigarette sales by 122 votes to 63.
Gold rush for Switzerland at European Athletics Championships
This content was published on
Switzerland has had the most successful European Athletics Championships of all time with nine medals, four of them gold.
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.
Read more
More
Swiss government limits access to restaurants to Covid certificate holders
This content was published on
The government has extended the use of the Covid certificate to indoor public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas and fitness centres.
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.