Switzerland places new closures in war against COVID-19

Switzerland has ordered restaurants, bars and shops to close by 7 pm in most of the country, the government said on Friday, as the country continues to face a high level of COVID-19 infections and deaths, reports The Guardian, broadcast news.

The government said less-hit areas of the pandemic will still be allowed to have opening places by 1100, in measures that enter into force Saturday.

Disfellowshipping would apply to cantons that had a reproductive rate of the virus under 1.

The measures, imposed after discussions between the government and local authorities, also affect cultural events and activities that are limited to groups of five people, broadcast news.net.

“Nivel of coronary infections remains high and in several cantons is growing again,” said the government in a statement. “Hospitals are close to their borders, and health personnel are under pressure. The situation is disturbing”.

On Friday, authorities reported 5,136 new cases and 106 other deaths in Switzerland and the neighbouring principal Liechtenstein.