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.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Zurich cantonal government to compensate victims of forced labour
This content was published on
Victims of past forced labour measures in canton Zurich could soon apply to receive a one-off solidarity compensation of CHF25,000 ($30,255).
Risk of a real-estate bubble in Switzerland grew in first quarter
This content was published on
The risk of a bubble in the Swiss property market increased slightly in the first three months of the year compared with the previous quarter, says UBS.
French authorities order Nestlé to remove its filtration system
This content was published on
Authorities in the south of France have served formal notice to Nestlé Waters, a subsidiary of the Swiss food giant, to "withdraw within two months" its microfiltration system for its Perrier mineral water.
Switzerland says pushbacks at border by Germany are unlawful
This content was published on
Switzerland considers Germany's planned systematic pushbacks at the border to be contrary to existing law, the department of justice has said.
Switzerland to hold referendum on introducing electronic ID
This content was published on
The Swiss are set to vote on the introduction of e-ID after the Federal Chancellery confirmed enough valid signatures were submitted by opponents of the federal law on electronic identity.
Swiss parliament advances individual taxation for married couples
This content was published on
The Swiss House of Representatives made progress on individual taxation for married couples, suggesting a compromise to address federal tax losses.
Valcambi withdraws from Swiss Better Gold Association
This content was published on
The Swiss refinery said it's no longer appropriate to collaborate with the organisation, which aims to improve working and living conditions in mining communities.
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.