Switzerland sets first step back to normal amid COVID-19 pandemic

The hair salons, garden centers and DIY stores in Switzerland reopened on Monday after six weeks' shutdown, as the country is setting its first step back to normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In compliance with the confederation's first phase of easing plan, cosmetic studios, tattoo shops and flower stores also resumed their businesses on Monday, with suspensions on non-urgent hospital surgeries also being lifted.

Long queues are seen in major Swiss cities in front of some of the reopened stores, with people carefully sticking to the hygiene and social distancing rules.

"Good news is there," confirmed the Daniel Koch of Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) in a press conference, as the country recorded 103 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, the smallest increase in the past seven weeks.

He stressed that the pace of relaxation will be under intensive control as the government continues to assess the situation before the second stage plan comes into force.

"We need some time between the stages. We cannot take the risk that the number of cases suddenly increases," he said.

Under the current three-step exit strategy, compulsory schools and non-food stores will be allowed to reopen on May 11, while secondary schools and entertainment sectors have to wait until June 8.

As of Monday, Switzerland has reported a total of 29,164 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,353 deaths, according to FOPH.