Today is when the new measures put into place begin. You can read in detail what they are here. A quick overview of which shops remain open are: Grocery stores, kiosks, bakeries, gas stations, chemists and drugstores, opticians and hearing aid stores, telecom shops, repair shops and car garages, diy and garden centres, florists, services like banks, hairdressers, beauticians, therapists etc..
Over the weekend the idea of schools having to close has become more prevalent, with a suggestions that apart from primary schools and kindergartens all other schools switch to online learning. This, after it was reported that 500 students and 70 students have to quarantine in the Tessin after several cases of covid were detected amongst student and staff, and in another school in Frauenfeld a student was found to have the new variant of the virus. A decision should be made this week.
The reproduction rate (R rate) has fallen to 0.83, but this number is for January 6 so it is hard to say whether it is representative of the current situation. In any case the two new variants have made the government extremely cautious and they are also considering whether ski resorts should close, should the numbers of cases start to rise again.
This after an amazing weekend for the ski resorts, many of which had reached their maximum capacity by mid-morning on Saturday. It must be said that the amount of snow which has fallen was very tempting for many. But the avalanche risk was at level 4 and unfortunately three skiers died in three different resorts (Engelberg, Stoos and Klosters) after having ventured off piste. The avalanche risk remains high for the coming days, so be safe and stay on the slopes.
The weather is going to change starting this afternoon with temperatures rising and the snow will melt away at lower altitude, the “föhn” wind might even bring temperatures up to 12 degrees in some areas of the country mid-week.
Have a good week and be safe!
