Federal Council decides on stricter measures - SMEs to receive assistance
The Federal Council tightens the measures to protect the population and decides on drastic measures that hit the SME economy hard. All stores, restaurants, bars and entertainment and leisure establishments will be closed until April 19, 2020. Exceptions include grocery stores and health care facilities.
Today, March 16, 2020, from midnight, public and private events are prohibited. All stores, markets, restaurants, bars and entertainment and leisure establishments such as museums, libraries, cinemas, concert halls and theaters, sports centers, swimming pools and ski resorts will be closed. Likewise, establishments where the distance cannot be kept, such as hairdressing salons or beauty salons, will be closed. Such tightened measures are now necessary to stop the further spread of the coronavirus.
Supply ensured
The supply of the entire population with food, medicines and goods for daily use is ensured, sufficient stocks have been built up, the Federal Council informs. Grocery stores, takeaways, company canteens, meal delivery services and pharmacies will remain open, as will gas stations, train stations, banks, post offices, hotels, public administration and social services. Workshops for means of transportation, may also remain open. All these establishments must comply with the recommendations of the Federal Office of Public Health on distance and hygiene. Hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices remain open, but must refrain from medical procedures and therapies that are not urgently indicated. People who are particularly at risk do their work at home. If this is not possible, they are given leave by their employer. They continue to receive their wages.
The Federal Council also calls on the population to avoid all unnecessary contact, to keep their distance and to follow hygiene measures. It also calls on the elderly population in particular to stay at home.
Support for SMEs in prospect
The Federal Council is holding out the prospect of unbureaucratic help for the hard-hit economy. For example, the deadlines for applying for short-time work compensation have been reduced. This means that companies will only have to pay for the loss of one day's work themselves. Bridging loans by means of guarantees have also been announced. This is intended to cushion companies' liquidity bottlenecks. Industry associations such as Swissmechanic welcome these measures.
Source: www.admin.ch
