Numerous border posts have been closed between Germany and Switzerland, like the frontier post at Weil am Rhein, near Basel.
Keystone / Georgios Kefalas
Germany has prolonged border checks with Switzerland and other neighbouring countries until May 15 to ensure that the new coronavirus is ‘further successfully contained’, according to the interior ministry.
Border controls introduced in mid-March to combat the coronavirus pandemic will be extended between Germany and Switzerland, Austria, France, Luxembourg and Denmark. The extension also applies to flights between Germany and Spain and Italy.
On the Swiss side, Switzerland’s land and air borders with Germany, Austria and France were closed on March 17. Previously strict border controls were put in place with Italy from March 13 to curb the spread of the virus and were extended to all other Schengen and non-Schengen states on March 25.
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Switzerland re-opens its European borders
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On June 15 Switzerland re-opened its borders with many other European states after improvements to the coronavirus situation.
Only Swiss citizens, Swiss resident permit-holders, those entering the country for professional reasons (e.g., those who work here and have a permit to prove it), essential health workers, those transiting through or “in a situation of absolute necessity”, can currently enter Switzerland.External link
Strict Swiss border controls remain in place for the foreseeable future. However, last week the Federal Council announcedExternal link that from May 11 it would slightly ease lockdown measures, processing the backlog of applications made by non-Swiss citizens to work or rejoin family in Switzerland.
Slow easing among neighbours
Germany is slowly starting to reopen and ease coronavirus measures. But on the German side of the border, people who are neither German nor permanent residents may only enter Germany if they have a valid reason to travel. EU citizens travelling through Germany to their home country or truck drivers are allowed to enter the country, for example. Entry is also restricted to certain border crossings.
Austria is also preparing for a gradual, secure and monitored re-opening. Temporary land border controls remain in place with neighbours until May 7. People travelling to Austria from neighbouring countries like Switzerland must currently produce a valid medical certificate proving a negative Covid-19 test result upon entry. The certificate cannot be older than 4 days when entering Austria. Without the certificate, entry will be denied. Meanwhile, passenger train services between Austria and Switzerland remain suspended and there is limited air traffic.
France also imposed strict border restrictions – only residents, cross-border worker, health workers and people in transit can enter after completing an entry certificate. However, it is preparing to gradually lift lockdown measures from May 11. The authorities said on Sunday that when it comes into effect it would not quarantine anyone arriving from the EU, the Schengen area, which includes Switzerland, or Britain.
At the moment – and this will continue until at least May 18 – travel into and within Italy is heavily restricted and limited to emergencies, work and health reasons.
The State Secretariat for MigrationExternal link: updated information on the situation at the Swiss borders, with a helpline to answer questions about refusal of entry into Switzerland and the exceptions.
The Swiss foreign ministryExternal link: information in French, German and Italian about the situation regarding foreign travel and the steps to be followed by Swiss citizens going abroad
High-net-worth individuals prioritise well-being over material possessions
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The priorities of wealthy private individuals have shifted against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. While spending on luxury goods is declining, demand for travel and experiences is unabated.
Swiss researchers sequence genome of 1918 Spanish flu virus
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Researchers from the Universities of Basel and Zurich (UZH) have sequenced the genome of the Spanish flu virus, thanks to a sample taken from an 18-year-old Swiss boy who died in the city on the Limmat in 1918, when the pandemic spread around the world.
Swiss martyr beatified in Barcelona by Catholic Church
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François-Benjamin May (1870-1909), a member of the Marist Brothers congregation, has been recognised as a 'blessed' by the Catholic Church.
Prevention and tech could help save billions on Swiss healthcare costs, says Deloitte
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By focusing on prevention and technology, it would be possible to reduce Switzerland's healthcare bill by CHF30 billion a year by 2040, according to Deloitte Switzerland.
Environment director warns of increasing climate-related risks in Switzerland
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The director of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) has warned of increasing climate-related risks in Switzerland in an interview with SonntagsBlick on Sunday.
Gotthard traffic queue hits 11km at start of holiday season
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The start of the summer holidays saw a long traffic jam in front of the Gotthard tunnel on Saturday. Traffic jams between Erstfeld and Göschenen in canton Uri were up to 11 kilometres long early in the morning.
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On June 15 Switzerland re-opened its borders with many other European states after improvements to the coronavirus situation.
French and German ambassadors urge coordinated border opening
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The coronavirus crisis has highlighted the “common destiny” of Switzerland and European Union countries, say the French and German ambassadors.
Switzerland to relax certain entry restrictions from May 11
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The backlog of applications made by non-Swiss citizens to work or rejoin family in Switzerland will be processed from this date.
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Five border crossing points with France are to be partially reopened on Monday following the announcement of a crisis exit plan.
Switzerland extends border controls to all Schengen states
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The Swiss government has extended entry restrictions to all Schengen States to increase the protection given to the population against coronavirus.
Switzerland set to fine cross-border shoppers undeterred by coronavirus
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The government has clarified who can enter the country under current measures, as authorities are inundated with complaints over border restrictions.
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