Swiss Extend Work-From-Home Order Through February on Omicron
Swiss Extend Work-From-Home Order Through February on Omicron
(Bloomberg) -- Switzerland decided to extend a work from home order to the end of February as cases surge, driven by the fast-spreading omicron variant.
Entry to restaurants, gyms and other public indoor venues will continue to be restricted to those who’ve been vaccinated or have recovered from the virus through the end of March, the government said Wednesday.
Home to Credit Suisse Group AG, UBS Group AG and a slew of private banks as well as some of the world’s biggest commodities traders, Switzerland has taken a relatively hands-off approach to the crisis, mostly avoiding strict lockdowns in favor of giving residents the freedom to act responsibly to keep the virus in check.
The country last week followed others in shortening isolation and quarantine to five days from 10 to avoid disruptions to essential services. About 160,000 people, of a population of about 8.5 million, are in quarantine or isolation after testing positive or coming into contact with an infected person.
Contact quarantine will also be extended through the end of next month, the government said. People who’ve been inoculated four months before coming into contact with a person who tested positive are exempt from that rule.
The decision comes as Switzerland reported a record 38,000 new cases on Wednesday. Covid-patient hospitalizations and deaths have been stable amid the case surge because of vaccinations and as omicron inflicts a generally milder illness than previous variants.
Swiss Interior Minister Alain Berset, who oversees health, said hospitalization rates are a key factor in deciding to loosen measures. He told a media conference that intensive care bed occupancy rates were improving.
From Jan. 22, people who are vaccinated or recovered will no longer have to present a negative test when entering Switzerland.
The government will discuss easing restrictions at a meeting on Feb. 2.
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