Switzerland to relax coronavirus measures in three phases

In light of its flattening coronavirus curve, Switzerland has decided to relax the coronavirus measures in three phases starting on April 27, President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga said on Thursday.

The first phase will begin on April 27, when hairdressing salons, massage practices, tattoo shops, cosmetic studios, flower shops and garden centers will be allowed to reopen. Previously imposed suspensions on non-urgent hospital surgeries will also be lifted.

The second phase is expected to start on May 11, when school courses will resume, and shops and markets will reopen -if conditions allow, said the president.

If the measures in the first two phases are effective, upper secondary schools, vocational schools and universities will resume face-to-face teaching on June 8. Museums, zoos and libraries will be reopened, and restrictions on gatherings may also be relaxed, according to a press release.

The Swiss government stressed that moving from one phase to the next depends on there being no significant increase in the number of coronavirus cases.

Underlining that sufficient time must be allowed between each phase so that the effects can be observed, the government explained that progress depends on the number of new infections, hospital admissions, deaths and hospital occupancy rates.

Noting that Switzerland is in the "transition stage" of the epidemic, the government urged the public to strictly observe the "social distancing" rules.

As of Thursday morning, a total of 26,732 confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported in Switzerland, and the death toll reached 1,017.

On March 16, the Swiss Federal Council declared an "extraordinary situation" and imposed ban on all mass gatherings and non-essential businesses and cultural events.

(CGTN)