Switzerland Today
Greetings from Bern,
With the Omicron variant rearing its head and the number of infected people rising, the government has brought back restrictive measures for travel, events, restaurants, and workplaces.
In the news: Sorry, more Covid-19 tidings
- The Federal Council has just announced tighter measures after a short consultation period. The move could put a dampener on festivities and foreign travel.
- Local governments are also less inclined to take risks lest it backfires on them. They placed an entire school of 2,000 people under quarantine for ten days over a couple of cases of Omicron.
- The air travel industry thinks the official response to Omicron is a bit of an overkill.
- Swiss pharma firm Roche claimsExternal link that its latest acquisition, Berlin-based TIB Molbiol, has developed test kits to detect Omicron variants.
Tough times even for the 1%
Money can usually help soften the blow of Covid-19 restrictions. But despite the crystal bubble they live in the super rich are not completely immune. Luxury lodgings like Hotel Kulm in St Moritz are starting to ask their well-heeled guests to furnish proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19.
“Protecting your health is our highest priority! This is why a valid Covid-19 certificate proving either a vaccinated or recovered state must be provided by all guest staying at the Kulm Hotel this winter season,” says the hotel websiteExternal link.
Not only will they have to have show Covid certificates, they’ll also have to shell out more for exclusivity. According to news website BlickExternal link, El Paradiso, the chic après ski restaurant and club in St Moritz, will be increasing annual membership rates from CHF15,000 to CHF40,000. The hike comes soon after it was taken over by another St Moritz institution: the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.
“We look forward to revealing more on the new concept over the coming months, but we can guarantee that we will spoil guests and club members with excellent food, drinks and entertainment (with a side of mountain-views!) for an unforgettable experience,” said the press release announcing the takeover in September.
Looks like members are due for an unforgettable bill as well!
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