London, Europe Brief News – More European countries have announced an easing of COVID-19 restrictions as high infection rates stabilise.
Switzerland has decided to ease measures, including ending health checks for incoming travellers.
Masks and COVID-19 vaccination passes will no longer forced to enter shops, restaurants, cultural venues and other public settings and events.
The requirement to wear masks in workplaces and capacity limits on large-scale gatherings will also end.
“The epidemiological situation continues to develop positively,” the Federal Council said.
Nightclubs in France also reopened for the first time in three months on Wednesday. Customers in bars and cafes can also eat and drink while standing.
Health minister Olivier Véran also said that all remaining mask rules could be lifted and the requirement for vaccine passes “significantly eased” next month.
France and Italy had last week eased anti-COVID measures by removing the obligation to wear masks outside.
Meanwhile, Austria’s government said on Wednesday that it plans to end most of the country’s COVID-19 measures on March 5.
From Saturday, citizens can attend events and enter bars, restaurants, and hairdressers if they receive full vaccination. They also have recently recovered from infection, or have proof of a negative test result.
Nightclubs will then reopen next month, while restaurants will be able to open beyond midnight, Chancellor Karl Nehammer announced.
However, facemasks will still be mandatory in certain places to “protect vulnerable groups,” he added. Hospital workers, nursing home staff, and visitors will also still need at least proof of negative test.
Austria recently became the first European country to introduce a nationwide vaccine mandate for adults.
