After a grim year of coronavirus pandemic, Switzerland is hoping to bring in some colourful news. The country will be holding a referendum on whether or not same-sex marriage should be made legal.

In December 2020, the Swiss parliament had passed a bill recognising same-sex marriage after years of protest against the discriminatory rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-vatican-shuts-the-door-on-same-sex-unions-371252">Watch |</a>

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Now, the critics have gathered 61,027 signatures in favour of taking this to a national vote, Switzerland’s federal chancellery said on Tuesday.

The court will be setting a date for this but the vote will not be held before September. For the vote, the citizens will be sent envelopes with ballot papers and voter information. They will be asked to cast their vote on a range of questions.

This push has come as a cross-party initiative with the slogan “Yes to marriage and family, no to marriage for everyone”. As of now, some people in the country put down same-sex marriage as ‘fake’ and believe marriage between a man and a woman is the only ‘natural’ way.

After a grim year of coronavirus pandemic, Switzerland is hoping to bring in some colourful news. The country will be holding a referendum on whether or not same-sex marriage should be made legal.

After a grim year of coronavirus pandemic, Switzerland is hoping to bring in some colourful news. The country will be holding a referendum on whether or not same-sex marriage should be made legal. In December 2020, the Swiss parliament had passed a bill recognising same-sex marriage after years of protest against the discriminatory rules. Watch | Now, the critics have gathered 61,027 signatures in favour of taking this to a national vote, Switzerland’s federal chancellery said on Tuesday. The court will be setting a date for this but the vote will not be held before September. For the vote, the citizens will be sent envelopes with ballot papers and voter information. They will be asked to cast their vote on a range of questions. This push has come as a cross-party initiative with the slogan “Yes to marriage and family, no to marriage for everyone”. As of now, some people in the country put down same-sex marriage as ‘fake’ and believe marriage between a man and a woman is the only ‘natural’ way.

Switzerland to hold referendum on legal status of same-sex marriages

The coronavirus pandemic saw a traditional Swiss annual rite of spring, the burning of the Boeoegg snowman, moved to the remote Devil's Bridge in central Switzerland on Monday (April 19) to deter crowds, the first time it has taken place outside Zurich.

Pandemic drives traditional burning of Swiss snowman into Alps

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week&nbsp;to August 8, 2021,&nbsp;&nbsp;the day Federer turns 40. And, the people taking the lead are the Swiss parliamentarians.

The nation is keen to honour the legend and former world No. 1 by giving a gift, which no country in the world would have given its sporting hero. It all started in the Swiss Parliament where several lawmakers launched an initiative on social media to honour Federer in its own unique way. Soon, the move gained momentum among his legion of fans and very soon it became the talking point of the nation of more than eight million. 
 
This is not the first time the European country is planning to shower affection and gratitude on the tennis great. Switzerland made a grand gesture in Federer's honour when he became the first living person to receive a Swiss stamp after the 2007 Wimbledon triumph. And in 2020, when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Federer received his own 20-franc silver coin from Swissmint. 
 
Now the 39-year-old player in the twilight of his career, Federer's achievement might again be recognised one more time with the National Day being postponed by a week. While the founding of the Swiss Confederacy is celebrated on August 1, this year it could be moved to August 8, to coincide with the eight-time Wimbledon champion's birthday. 
 
Even as the move gains momentum, Federer, currently world No. 6 on ATP, is busy charting his return to ATP Tour action after a knee surgery. And, then he also plans to take a shot at Olympic glory in Tokyo.

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week to August 8, 2021, the day Federer turns 40.

Roger Federer is a legend for the world, but for the people of his country, the tennis ace's status is even higher than that.To celebrate the tennis great's achievements, Federer's home country, Switzerland, is pondering postponing the National Day by a week to August 8, 2021, the day Federer turns 40. And, the people taking the lead are the Swiss parliamentarians. The nation is keen to honour the legend and former world No. 1 by giving a gift, which no country in the world would have given its sporting hero. It all started in the Swiss Parliament where several lawmakers launched an initiative on social media to honour Federer in its own unique way. Soon, the move gained momentum among his legion of fans and very soon it became the talking point of the nation of more than eight million. This is not the first time the European country is planning to shower affection and gratitude on the tennis great. Switzerland made a grand gesture in Federer's honour when he became the first living person to receive a Swiss stamp after the 2007 Wimbledon triumph. And in 2020, when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, Federer received his own 20-franc silver coin from Swissmint. Now the 39-year-old player in the twilight of his career, Federer's achievement might again be recognised one more time with the National Day being postponed by a week. While the founding of the Swiss Confederacy is celebrated on August 1, this year it could be moved to August 8, to coincide with the eight-time Wimbledon champion's birthday. Even as the move gains momentum, Federer, currently world No. 6 on ATP, is busy charting his return to ATP Tour action after a knee surgery. And, then he also plans to take a shot at Olympic glory in Tokyo.

Switzerland could shift its national day to Roger Federer's birthday

In the age of ensuring gender equality, the Swiss army has decided to hire more women, but by making sure they no longer have to wear men's underwear.

As of now, all recruits in the Swiss army are provided with "loose-fitting men’s underwear, often in larger sizes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-have-to-wait-1356-years-to-be-on-equal-footing-with-men-world-economic-forum-374431">Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum</a>

However, now the army is hoping to change this standard. A trial is scheduled to begin in April, aiming to come up with a new rule by which women recruits will be issued two sets of female underwear — for winter and summer.

"The clothing is designed for men, but if the army is really to become more feminine, appropriate measures are needed," said MP Marianne Binder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-inequality-has-cost-world-usd-70-trillion-since-1990-report-finds-368469">Gender inequality has cost world USD 70 trillion since 1990, report finds</a>

This decision has been taken to increase the population of women recruits from 1 per cent to 10 per cent in the next decade.

Army spokesperson Kaj-Gunnar Sievert has also claimed that other pieces of combat clothing such as backpacks, combat clothing and protective vests are also being re-evaluated to suit the need of all genders equally.

While the uniforms have been the same since older generations, women and men have had similar duties in the Swiss Army since 2004 now.&nbsp;

Following this, the army decided to make this change as many women recruits also complained that crawling on the floor with more than 25 kilograms of luggage or even sitting in a corner while wearing men's underwear brings a lot of discomfort for female recruits.

In the age of ensuring gender equality, the Swiss army has decided to hire more women, but by making sure they no longer have to wear men's underwear. As of now, all recruits in the Swiss army are provided with "loose-fitting men’s underwear, often in larger sizes".

In the age of ensuring gender equality, the Swiss army has decided to hire more women, but by making sure they no longer have to wear men's underwear. As of now, all recruits in the Swiss army are provided with "loose-fitting men’s underwear, often in larger sizes". Also read | Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum However, now the army is hoping to change this standard. A trial is scheduled to begin in April, aiming to come up with a new rule by which women recruits will be issued two sets of female underwear — for winter and summer. "The clothing is designed for men, but if the army is really to become more feminine, appropriate measures are needed," said MP Marianne Binder. Also read | Gender inequality has cost world USD 70 trillion since 1990, report finds This decision has been taken to increase the population of women recruits from 1 per cent to 10 per cent in the next decade. Army spokesperson Kaj-Gunnar Sievert has also claimed that other pieces of combat clothing such as backpacks, combat clothing and protective vests are also being re-evaluated to suit the need of all genders equally. While the uniforms have been the same since older generations, women and men have had similar duties in the Swiss Army since 2004 now. Following this, the army decided to make this change as many women recruits also complained that crawling on the floor with more than 25 kilograms of luggage or even sitting in a corner while wearing men's underwear brings a lot of discomfort for female recruits.

Gender equality: Swiss Army to start issuing female underwear for women recruits

Switzerland has postponed plans to relax its COVID-19 restrictions, the government said on Friday, citing increasing coronavirus cases and insufficient progress on vaccinations.

Switzerland had planned to allow outdoor events like football matches and concerts with up to 150 people from Monday as well as allowing restaurants to open terraces to outdoor diners, but instead opted for a more cautious approach as neighbouring France and Germany also rein in reopening.

"The risk of an uncontrolled increase in the number of cases is currently too great for further openings," the government said on Friday. "In addition, too few people have yet been vaccinated to prevent a sharp rise in hospitalizations."

The number of coronavirus cases in Switzerland and neighbouring Liechtenstein rose by 1,750 on Thursday, well above the seven-day average of 1,285 cases.

Currently, infections are expected to double every three to four weeks, the government said, warning new variants of COVID-19 make up to 80% of the new cases.

"We've known for a while that they aren't merely more infectious, but also more dangerous," Health Minister Alain Berset said at a press conference. "This is not the moment we'd hoped for."

The government did relax restrictions on indoor meetings for families and friends, up to 10 people from five previously, ahead of Easter.

Torn between public fatigue and warnings from public health experts about reopening too quickly, the government has forged a middle path that is often less strict than neighbouring countries' approaches.

It has unveiled a 1 billion Swiss franc ($1.07 billion) plan to offer free coronavirus tests for all residents, while grappling with shortages of vaccines it needs for its goal to inoculate all who wish by summer.

Shops, museums, and libraries reopened this month and sporting and cultural activities for youngsters resumed. Schools and many ski lifts are open, but restaurants and cultural venues remain closed.

Switzerland has postponed plans to relax its COVID-19 restrictions, the government said on Friday, citing increasing coronavirus cases and insufficient progress on vaccinations.

Switzerland has postponed plans to relax its COVID-19 restrictions, the government said on Friday, citing increasing coronavirus cases and insufficient progress on vaccinations. Switzerland had planned to allow outdoor events like football matches and concerts with up to 150 people from Monday as well as allowing restaurants to open terraces to outdoor diners, but instead opted for a more cautious approach as neighbouring France and Germany also rein in reopening. "The risk of an uncontrolled increase in the number of cases is currently too great for further openings," the government said on Friday. "In addition, too few people have yet been vaccinated to prevent a sharp rise in hospitalizations." The number of coronavirus cases in Switzerland and neighbouring Liechtenstein rose by 1,750 on Thursday, well above the seven-day average of 1,285 cases. Currently, infections are expected to double every three to four weeks, the government said, warning new variants of COVID-19 make up to 80% of the new cases. "We've known for a while that they aren't merely more infectious, but also more dangerous," Health Minister Alain Berset said at a press conference. "This is not the moment we'd hoped for." The government did relax restrictions on indoor meetings for families and friends, up to 10 people from five previously, ahead of Easter. Torn between public fatigue and warnings from public health experts about reopening too quickly, the government has forged a middle path that is often less strict than neighbouring countries' approaches. It has unveiled a 1 billion Swiss franc ($1.07 billion) plan to offer free coronavirus tests for all residents, while grappling with shortages of vaccines it needs for its goal to inoculate all who wish by summer. Shops, museums, and libraries reopened this month and sporting and cultural activities for youngsters resumed. Schools and many ski lifts are open, but restaurants and cultural venues remain closed.

Switzerland postpones plan to lift Covid-19 curbs

Swiss voters on Sunday voted narrowly to ban full-face coverings including the Burqas and Niqabs in public places. According to official reports, 51.2 per cent of voters supported the proposal.

Swiss voters support 'Burqa ban' in national referendum

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims.

Projections for broadcaster SRF, based on partial results, showed the measure passing 52% to 48%, with a two-point margin for error. Final results were due later on Sunday.

The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban.

"In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and a member of parliament for the Swiss People`s Party, had said before the vote.

He called facial covering "a symbol for this extreme, political Islam which has become increasingly prominent in Europe and which has no place in Switzerland".

The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic - which has required all adults to wear masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection - and gathered the necessary support in 2017 to trigger a referendum.

The proposal compounded Switzerland`s tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted in 2009 to ban building any new minarets. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings.

France banned wearing a full face veil in public in 2011 and Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Bulgaria have full or partial bans on wearing face coverings in public.

Practically no one in Switzerland wears a burqa and only around 30 women wear the niqab, the University of Lucerne estimates. Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population of 8.6 million people, most with roots in Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Swiss Muslims have said right-wing parties were using the vote to demonise them and rally supporters.

Amnesty International has called the face veil ban "a dangerous policy that violates women`s rights, including to freedom of expression and religion".

The government had said the proposal went too far and recommended voters reject a ban.

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims.

A far-right proposal to ban facial coverings in Switzerland was headed toward a narrow victory in a binding referendum on Sunday viewed as a test of attitudes toward Muslims. Projections for broadcaster SRF, based on partial results, showed the measure passing 52% to 48%, with a two-point margin for error. Final results were due later on Sunday. The proposal under the Swiss system of direct democracy does not mention Islam directly and also aims to stop violent street protesters from wearing masks, yet local politicians, media and campaigners have dubbed it the burqa ban. "In Switzerland, our tradition is that you show your face. That is a sign of our basic freedoms," Walter Wobmann, chairman of the referendum committee and a member of parliament for the Swiss People`s Party, had said before the vote. He called facial covering "a symbol for this extreme, political Islam which has become increasingly prominent in Europe and which has no place in Switzerland". The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic - which has required all adults to wear masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection - and gathered the necessary support in 2017 to trigger a referendum. The proposal compounded Switzerland`s tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted in 2009 to ban building any new minarets. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings. France banned wearing a full face veil in public in 2011 and Denmark, Austria, the Netherlands and Bulgaria have full or partial bans on wearing face coverings in public. Practically no one in Switzerland wears a burqa and only around 30 women wear the niqab, the University of Lucerne estimates. Muslims make up 5% of the Swiss population of 8.6 million people, most with roots in Turkey, Bosnia and Kosovo. Swiss Muslims have said right-wing parties were using the vote to demonise them and rally supporters. Amnesty International has called the face veil ban "a dangerous policy that violates women`s rights, including to freedom of expression and religion". The government had said the proposal went too far and recommended voters reject a ban.

Swiss look set to approve ban on facial coverings

Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum. Some sections of Swiss society have termed the referendum as Islamophobic.

Red billboards picturing a scowling woman wearing a black headscarf and face veil with the phrase, "Stop Extremism!", have appeared in Swiss streets as part of the campaign led by several parties in Switzerland, including the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP).

"This (niqab wearing) is something that we find shocking. It is fundamentally in opposition with various values of our civilisation, simply because, for us, free people show their faces in all circumstances outside," said Jean-Luc Addor, an SVP member of parliament and head of the French-speaking branch of the referendum committee.

The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen all adults forced to don masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection. It gathered the necessary support to trigger a referendum in 2017.

The referendum does not mention Islam directly and also seeks to stop street brawls involving football fans wearing masks. However, local politicians, media and campaigners have started calling the referendum as being for a 'burqa ban'.

The proposal compounds Switzerland's tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted to ban building any new minarets in 2009. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings.

Meanwhile, Zurich police fired tear gas shells at feminist rally. As per reports, police had warned ahead of the planned protest rally against congregating. However, when demonstrators started congregating in different parts of the city the police used tear gas.

(With Reuters inputs)

Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum.

Voters in Switzerland will vote on Sunday, March 7 to decide whether wearing full-face coverings in public should be banned. This will be a binding national referendum. Some sections of Swiss society have termed the referendum as Islamophobic. Red billboards picturing a scowling woman wearing a black headscarf and face veil with the phrase, "Stop Extremism!", have appeared in Swiss streets as part of the campaign led by several parties in Switzerland, including the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP). "This (niqab wearing) is something that we find shocking. It is fundamentally in opposition with various values of our civilisation, simply because, for us, free people show their faces in all circumstances outside," said Jean-Luc Addor, an SVP member of parliament and head of the French-speaking branch of the referendum committee. The proposal predates the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen all adults forced to don masks in many settings to prevent the spread of infection. It gathered the necessary support to trigger a referendum in 2017. The referendum does not mention Islam directly and also seeks to stop street brawls involving football fans wearing masks. However, local politicians, media and campaigners have started calling the referendum as being for a 'burqa ban'. The proposal compounds Switzerland's tense relationship with Islam after citizens voted to ban building any new minarets in 2009. Two cantons already have local bans on face coverings. Meanwhile, Zurich police fired tear gas shells at feminist rally. As per reports, police had warned ahead of the planned protest rally against congregating. However, when demonstrators started congregating in different parts of the city the police used tear gas. (With Reuters inputs)

Swiss to vote on referendum on banning face veils

An opinion poll in Switzerland has revealed that a clear majority of citizens are in favour of a nationwide ban on face coverings including Burqas.

Switzerland voters favour 'burqa ban' | Poll shows clear support for ban

Davos in Switzerland is normally very crowded at this time of the year thanks to World Economic Forum (WEF). However, the streets of the ski resort are deserted this year as WEF went online this time due to coronavirus pandemic. This year, world's great and good will interact virtually. There is no shortage of topics as the world economy is in deep crisis after a year marred by the COVID crisis. Soaring unemployment and debt levels, growing income inequality and climate change have proven to be great impediments in global progress.

"We have practically assembled the same high level - and also amount - of global decision-makers for politics, business, society as we usually do in Davos." said WEF chief Klaus Schwab in an interview with Reuters.

"What makes Davos different is that you do not just have some heads of state or some top business leaders, you have practically everyone who counts coming together," he added.

Heads of states, CEOs, civil society leaders, global media and youth leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and North America will attend the WEF virtually this year.

The WEF is hoping that normalcy returns and has planned a face-to-face meeting in Singapore in May.

The World Economic Forum 2021 kicks off on Monday (January 25) and ends on Friday (January 29).

Davos in Switzerland is normally very crowded at this time of the year thanks to World Economic Forum (WEF). However, the streets of the ski resort are deserted this year as WEF went online this time due to coronavirus pandemic.

Davos in Switzerland is normally very crowded at this time of the year thanks to World Economic Forum (WEF). However, the streets of the ski resort are deserted this year as WEF went online this time due to coronavirus pandemic. This year, world's great and good will interact virtually. There is no shortage of topics as the world economy is in deep crisis after a year marred by the COVID crisis. Soaring unemployment and debt levels, growing income inequality and climate change have proven to be great impediments in global progress. "We have practically assembled the same high level - and also amount - of global decision-makers for politics, business, society as we usually do in Davos." said WEF chief Klaus Schwab in an interview with Reuters. "What makes Davos different is that you do not just have some heads of state or some top business leaders, you have practically everyone who counts coming together," he added. Heads of states, CEOs, civil society leaders, global media and youth leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America and North America will attend the WEF virtually this year. The WEF is hoping that normalcy returns and has planned a face-to-face meeting in Singapore in May. The World Economic Forum 2021 kicks off on Monday (January 25) and ends on Friday (January 29).

Empty streets in Davos as World Economic Forum goes virtual

Switzerland citizens favour 'burqa ban', poll shows ahead of public vote

Officials in the upscale Swiss mountain resort of St Moritz quarantined employees and guests of two luxury hotels, closed ski schools and kept schoolchildren home on Monday (January 18) after a dozen positive tests for a highly infectious coronavirus variant.

Swiss ski resort St Moritz quarantines hotels to contain COVID variant

Two hotels were quarantined with ski schools located in the post resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland being shut down on Monday to control a new variant of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

The eastern Swiss canton of Grisons in a statement said that about a dozen cases in two hotels have been reported, leading to a quarantine. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Nearly 300 employees and 95 guests at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz and Badrutt's Palace Hotel were quarantined, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-british-scientists-found-the-more-infectious-coronavirus-variant-357185">How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant</a>

"About a dozen cases are currently known in two hotels. To protect the health of the population and guests, the health department has quarantined the two hotels and ordered corona tests for their employees and guests," the statement said.

The canton said the mutations are similar to ones found in Britain and South Africa, but did not confirm whether it matches exactly as the samples were to be genetically sequenced.&nbsp;

It also did not comment whether the variant has come from the UK or South Africa.

The canton has ordered everyone to wear masks in the town that is known as the birthplace of modern winter sports.&nbsp;

Mass testing of the people will begin on Tuesday and schools and daycare centres have been shut down.&nbsp;

The name of the hotels quarantined was initially not revealed by the authorities, but assumed foreigners were among the visitors in the hotels.&nbsp;

Switzerland has closed theatres, bars and restaurants to contain the spread of the virus, but has kept skit lits open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines and ask visitors to wear masks.&nbsp;

Skiing in St Moritz was kept open and locals have defended the decision, saying mask-wearing and social distancing keep people safe.&nbsp;

Two hotels were quarantined with ski schools located in the post resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland being shut down on Monday to control a new variant of the novel coronavirus.

Two hotels were quarantined with ski schools located in the post resort of St. Moritz in Switzerland being shut down on Monday to control a new variant of the novel coronavirus. The eastern Swiss canton of Grisons in a statement said that about a dozen cases in two hotels have been reported, leading to a quarantine. Watch | Nearly 300 employees and 95 guests at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz and Badrutt's Palace Hotel were quarantined, news agency Reuters reported. Also read | How British scientists found the more infectious coronavirus variant "About a dozen cases are currently known in two hotels. To protect the health of the population and guests, the health department has quarantined the two hotels and ordered corona tests for their employees and guests," the statement said. The canton said the mutations are similar to ones found in Britain and South Africa, but did not confirm whether it matches exactly as the samples were to be genetically sequenced. It also did not comment whether the variant has come from the UK or South Africa. The canton has ordered everyone to wear masks in the town that is known as the birthplace of modern winter sports. Mass testing of the people will begin on Tuesday and schools and daycare centres have been shut down. The name of the hotels quarantined was initially not revealed by the authorities, but assumed foreigners were among the visitors in the hotels. Switzerland has closed theatres, bars and restaurants to contain the spread of the virus, but has kept skit lits open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines and ask visitors to wear masks. Skiing in St Moritz was kept open and locals have defended the decision, saying mask-wearing and social distancing keep people safe.

New Covid-19 variant? Hotels quarantined, schools shut down in Swiss ski resort

Swiss freeskier Fabian Bosch reached speeds of up to 90km/h when he completed a double front flip off the 50-metre jump in Engelberg. The two-time world champion and Winter X Games gold medallist completed the jump down the steepest hill in the World Cup, a full 36-degree incline that usually brings ski jumpers up to speed.

Swiss freeskier reaches 90km for double front flip

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth.

"School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email.

"School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said.

Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced.

In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16.

Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened.

At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows.

Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements.

"If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well."

School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic.

Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus.

(With AFP inputs)

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth. "School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email. "School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said. Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced. In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16. Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened. At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows. Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements. "If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well." School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic. Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss school closure helped slow COVID spread, says study

Switzerland has documented five cases of a coronavirus variant from Britain and two cases of a South African variant, a Swiss health ministry official said on Tuesday, adding he anticipates more cases of these faster-spreading mutations will emerge. 
 
Patrick Mathys, the health ministry`s crisis management section leader, also said the Swiss supply of COVID-19 shots will be limited until more vaccines are approved by the nation`s regulator, likely next year. 
 
Switzerland is the latest nation to record variant cases, as country after country reports similar infections, prompting some nations to ban travel to Great Britain and South Africa amid fears a more-virulent virus could exacerbate strapped health care systems. 
 
"Until now, there`s no evidence that these strains are spreading in large numbers in Switzerland," Mathys said, of the variants. "But it would be an illusion to think that these infections, which have been confirmed in the laboratory, are the only ones that exist in Switzerland. We have to expect that we`ll find more, and it`s probable that there has already been transmission." 
 
One of the cases detected in Switzerland is a resident of neighboring France, Mathys said. 
 
Switzerland recorded 4,197 new infections since Monday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to than 442,481, more than 5% of the population. 
 
A further 131 people died, bringing COVID-19 fatalities to 6,909. 
 
Switzerland has so far received 107,000 doses of Pfizer and German partner BioNTech`s vaccine, and is targeting shots at older nursing home residents and medical workers. 
 
The country expects to get 250,000 monthly doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, but boosting deliveries beyond that depends on approval of additional shots from Moderna and AstraZeneca now under review. 
 
"We have to make do with what we have, for now" Mathys said. "We can`t magically make shots from thin air."

Switzerland has documented five cases of a coronavirus variant from Britain and two cases of a South African variant, a Swiss health ministry official said on Tuesday, adding he anticipates more cases of these faster-spreading mutations will emerge.

Switzerland has documented five cases of a coronavirus variant from Britain and two cases of a South African variant, a Swiss health ministry official said on Tuesday, adding he anticipates more cases of these faster-spreading mutations will emerge. Patrick Mathys, the health ministry`s crisis management section leader, also said the Swiss supply of COVID-19 shots will be limited until more vaccines are approved by the nation`s regulator, likely next year. Switzerland is the latest nation to record variant cases, as country after country reports similar infections, prompting some nations to ban travel to Great Britain and South Africa amid fears a more-virulent virus could exacerbate strapped health care systems. "Until now, there`s no evidence that these strains are spreading in large numbers in Switzerland," Mathys said, of the variants. "But it would be an illusion to think that these infections, which have been confirmed in the laboratory, are the only ones that exist in Switzerland. We have to expect that we`ll find more, and it`s probable that there has already been transmission." One of the cases detected in Switzerland is a resident of neighboring France, Mathys said. Switzerland recorded 4,197 new infections since Monday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to than 442,481, more than 5% of the population. A further 131 people died, bringing COVID-19 fatalities to 6,909. Switzerland has so far received 107,000 doses of Pfizer and German partner BioNTech`s vaccine, and is targeting shots at older nursing home residents and medical workers. The country expects to get 250,000 monthly doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, but boosting deliveries beyond that depends on approval of additional shots from Moderna and AstraZeneca now under review. "We have to make do with what we have, for now" Mathys said. "We can`t magically make shots from thin air."

Switzerland documents five cases of UK virus variant, two of South African variant

Incoming Swiss president Guy Parmelin said on Sunday that post-Brexit trade deal struck between UK and the European Union (EU) was "good news" for the entire world. Switzerland itself is not a member of EU but is a banking powerhouse and has a relationship that guarantees market access. Parmelin is currently economy minister and set to take over the annually rotating presidency on Friday.

"It is good news for the whole world that an agreement has been reached. For Switzerland too," he told the Sonntags Zeitung newspaper.

UK and European Union were able to strike a post-Brexit deal on December 24 after 10 months of heavy negotiation. The deal will soften economic shock of UK exiting European common market on December 31

Parmelin did not comment on what the deal might mean for Switzerland's own framework agreement negotiations with the EU.

"We are now waiting for the text and will analyse the whole situation," he said.

Experts believe that the Swiss government is now coming under strong pressure to negotiate a better agreement with Brussels, the SZ reported.

After turning down EU membership in 1992, the Swiss voted in 2000 for a range of bilateral accords with the bloc.

Brussels has made no secret of its growing impatience to pin down a "framework accord" to pull together various bilateral agreements touching on access to the single market and fine-tuning applicable Swiss and EU laws.

Since 2008, the EU has insisted Switzerland must sign a framework agreement before concluding any new bilateral deals with the bloc.

Parmelin had to go into quarantine before Christmas after visiting London to sign an agreement which secures reciprocal, facilitated market access for service providers from Switzerland and Britain from January. 
Parmelin takes over as president from Simonetta Sommaruga on Friday.

(With AFP inputs)

Incoming Swiss president Guy Parmelin said on Sunday that post-Brexit trade deal struck between UK and the European Union (EU) was "good news" for the entire world.

Incoming Swiss president Guy Parmelin said on Sunday that post-Brexit trade deal struck between UK and the European Union (EU) was "good news" for the entire world. Switzerland itself is not a member of EU but is a banking powerhouse and has a relationship that guarantees market access. Parmelin is currently economy minister and set to take over the annually rotating presidency on Friday. "It is good news for the whole world that an agreement has been reached. For Switzerland too," he told the Sonntags Zeitung newspaper. UK and European Union were able to strike a post-Brexit deal on December 24 after 10 months of heavy negotiation. The deal will soften economic shock of UK exiting European common market on December 31 Parmelin did not comment on what the deal might mean for Switzerland's own framework agreement negotiations with the EU. "We are now waiting for the text and will analyse the whole situation," he said. Experts believe that the Swiss government is now coming under strong pressure to negotiate a better agreement with Brussels, the SZ reported. After turning down EU membership in 1992, the Swiss voted in 2000 for a range of bilateral accords with the bloc. Brussels has made no secret of its growing impatience to pin down a "framework accord" to pull together various bilateral agreements touching on access to the single market and fine-tuning applicable Swiss and EU laws. Since 2008, the EU has insisted Switzerland must sign a framework agreement before concluding any new bilateral deals with the bloc. Parmelin had to go into quarantine before Christmas after visiting London to sign an agreement which secures reciprocal, facilitated market access for service providers from Switzerland and Britain from January. Parmelin takes over as president from Simonetta Sommaruga on Friday. (With AFP inputs)

Incoming Swiss president calls post-Brexit deal 'good news for whole world

Regulatory authority in Switzerland gave a go-ahead for Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Saturday. The Swissmedic regulatory authority took the decision on Saturday. It is the first vaccine to be authorised for use in the wealthy European nation.

"After a meticulous review of the available information, Swissmedic concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is safe and that its benefit outweighs the risks," the body said in a statement.

"The safety of patients is an essential prerequisite, especially where the authorisation of vaccines is concerned," said Swissmedic director Raimund Bruhin.

"Thanks to the rolling procedure and our flexibly organised teams, we nevertheless managed to reach a decision quickly -- while also fully satisfying the three most important requirements of safety, efficacy and quality."

Population of Switzerland is 8.6 million. It has secured around 15.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by striking deals with thre manufacturers.

The deal with Pfizer/Biotech vaccine is for three million doses. The contract with Moderna has been made to procure 7.5 million doses. AstraZeneca will provide 5.3 million doses. Two doses are required per person with all these vaccines.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-authorises-moderna-as-second-covid-19-vaccine-350878">US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine</a>

With Covid-19 cases and deaths still rising fast, the Swiss government announced Friday that restaurants and bars would be closed again across the country.

"The epidemiological situation is a cause of great concern," the government said in a statement.

"The number of infections is very high and is continuing to rise. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been under extreme pressure for weeks and the festive period increases the risk of an even more rapid rise in cases," it explained.

Switzerland is continuing to witness more than 4,000 new cases and 100 deaths each day.

In total, Switzerland has recorded more than 400,000 cases and nearly 6,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Regulatory authority in Switzerland gave a go-ahead for Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Saturday. The Swissmedic regulatory authority took the decision on Saturday.

Regulatory authority in Switzerland gave a go-ahead for Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine on Saturday. The Swissmedic regulatory authority took the decision on Saturday. It is the first vaccine to be authorised for use in the wealthy European nation. "After a meticulous review of the available information, Swissmedic concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is safe and that its benefit outweighs the risks," the body said in a statement. "The safety of patients is an essential prerequisite, especially where the authorisation of vaccines is concerned," said Swissmedic director Raimund Bruhin. "Thanks to the rolling procedure and our flexibly organised teams, we nevertheless managed to reach a decision quickly -- while also fully satisfying the three most important requirements of safety, efficacy and quality." Population of Switzerland is 8.6 million. It has secured around 15.8 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by striking deals with thre manufacturers. The deal with Pfizer/Biotech vaccine is for three million doses. The contract with Moderna has been made to procure 7.5 million doses. AstraZeneca will provide 5.3 million doses. Two doses are required per person with all these vaccines. Also Read | US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine With Covid-19 cases and deaths still rising fast, the Swiss government announced Friday that restaurants and bars would be closed again across the country. "The epidemiological situation is a cause of great concern," the government said in a statement. "The number of infections is very high and is continuing to rise. Hospitals and healthcare workers have been under extreme pressure for weeks and the festive period increases the risk of an even more rapid rise in cases," it explained. Switzerland is continuing to witness more than 4,000 new cases and 100 deaths each day. In total, Switzerland has recorded more than 400,000 cases and nearly 6,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Pfizer COVID vaccine gets go-ahead in Switzerland

Switzerland's parliament on Friday approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights.

Switzerland's parliament approves same-sex marriage

Switzerland's parliament&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights.&nbsp;

However, the final say depends on the&nbsp;Swiss themselves&nbsp;as the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party has announced that it will ask for the legislation to be put to a referendum.&nbsp;

Switzerland is one of the few European countries where same-sex marriage is not legal. It is at the 25th position in terms of human rights for the&nbsp;LGBT&nbsp;community.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/switzerland-lgbt-groups-face-public-discrimination-even-after-legal-laws-279553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country allows same-sex couples to enter into "registered partnerships", but this does not provide the same rights as to marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children.

After being approved by the&nbsp;two chambers of parliament, it moved to&nbsp;parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland.

The wording of the bill allows same-sex couples&nbsp;to access sperm donations&nbsp;to conceive children.&nbsp;

Switzerland passed a law specifically protecting lesbian, gay, and bisexual people from discrimination only in February.

Amnesty Switzerland wrote in a tweet,&nbsp;"This is a historic victory for the rights of the LGBTI* Community."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Endlich ist es soweit: Das Parlament hat in der Schlussabstimmung die <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ehefueralle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ehefueralle</a> beschlossen. Das ist ein historischer Sieg für die Rechte der LGBTI*-Community. Die Schweiz macht wichtige Fortschritte - noch bleibt aber einiges zu tun. 🌈🇨🇭 <a href="https://t.co/gij9ict3au">pic.twitter.com/gij9ict3au</a>
— Amnesty Schweiz (@Amnesty_Schweiz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amnesty_Schweiz/status/1339847489885769728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Rainbow Families association, set up in 2010 to defend the interests of gay parents in Switzerland, said it was preparing for the issue to be put to a popular vote.

"If the opponents launch a referendum, we're ready," said Matthias Erhardt, deputy president of the national committee specially set up on "marriage for all".&nbsp;

"We have 82 percent of the population behind us and, thanks to the mobilisation of the LBGT community, our partner organisations and the political parties who support us, we will be able to further increase acceptance of LGBT people in society," he said.

Switzerland's parliament on Friday approved a bill Friday allowing same-sex couples to marry, finally bringing the small Alpine nation into line with much of Europe on gay rights. However, the final say depends on the Swiss themselves as the Christian, ultra-conservative Federal Democratic Union party has announced that it will ask for the legislation to be put to a referendum. Switzerland is one of the few European countries where same-sex marriage is not legal. It is at the 25th position in terms of human rights for the LGBT community. The country allows same-sex couples to enter into "registered partnerships", but this does not provide the same rights as to marriage, including for obtaining citizenship and the joint adoption of children. After being approved by the two chambers of parliament, it moved to parliament 13 years after civil partnerships became legal in Switzerland. The wording of the bill allows same-sex couples to access sperm donations to conceive children. Switzerland passed a law specifically protecting lesbian, gay, and bisexual people from discrimination only in February. Amnesty Switzerland wrote in a tweet, "This is a historic victory for the rights of the LGBTI* Community." Endlich ist es soweit: Das Parlament hat in der Schlussabstimmung die #Ehefueralle beschlossen. Das ist ein historischer Sieg für die Rechte der LGBTI*-Community. Die Schweiz macht wichtige Fortschritte - noch bleibt aber einiges zu tun. 🌈🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/gij9ict3au — Amnesty Schweiz (@Amnesty_Schweiz) December 18, 2020 × The Rainbow Families association, set up in 2010 to defend the interests of gay parents in Switzerland, said it was preparing for the issue to be put to a popular vote. "If the opponents launch a referendum, we're ready," said Matthias Erhardt, deputy president of the national committee specially set up on "marriage for all". "We have 82 percent of the population behind us and, thanks to the mobilisation of the LBGT community, our partner organisations and the political parties who support us, we will be able to further increase acceptance of LGBT people in society," he said.

'Historic victory': Switzerland's parliament approves same-sex marriage

A rare skeleton of a sabre-toothed cat which roamed the northern United States some 37 million years ago is expected to fetch between 60,000 and 80,000 Swiss francs ($66,400 - $88,500) at an auction in Switzerland next week, auction house Piguet said on Tuesday (December 1).

Skeleton of U.S. sabre-toothed tiger to be auctioned in Switzerland 

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads.

Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups

But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. 
The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far".

The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations.

Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies.

Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria.

Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics.

The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly.

Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence.

While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line.

(With AFP inputs)

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide.

Voters in Switzerland on Sunday have rejected, as per exit polls, a plan to impose world's strictest corporate responsibility rules. The rules would have made multinationals headquartered in the country liable for abusive business practices worldwide. The rules would also have amended the Swiss constitution and forced the companies to respect strict human rights and environmental protection standrads. Initiative behind this proposal was launched by an alliance of 130 NGOs as part of Switzerland's system of direct democracy.The proposal had backing from trade unions and church groups But voters in a majority of Swiss cantons rejected the initiative, according to exit polls. The initiative was opposed by both the government and parliament, which warned that while its intention was good, the proposed legislation went "too far". The rejection by voters automatically activated the government's counter-proposal, which also requires companies to report on rights, environmental protections and corruption issues -- but without being liable for violations. Supporters of the rejected initiative plastered Swiss towns and cities with posters highlighting environmental degradation and human suffering caused by Swiss companies. Campaigners also underscored how pesticides long banned in Switzerland are still sold by agrochemicals giant Syngenta in developing countries, and deplored small-particle pollution spewed from a cement plant owned by LafargeHolcim in Nigeria. Multinationals are important drivers of the Swiss economy, which at the end of 2018 counted close to 29,000 such corporations, accounting for more than a quarter of all jobs in the country, according to official statistics. The Swiss business community, along with the government and parliament, argued that the proposed constitutional amendments could have been detrimental for all Swiss companies, not just those that behave badly. Businesses and employer organisations voiced particular concern over a provision that would have made Swiss-based businesses liable for abuses committed by subsidiaries unless they could prove they had done required due diligence. While backers of the rejected initiative acknowledged that most companies respect rights and environmental protections, they insisted that voluntary measures were not enough to bring the rest in line. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss voters reject world's strictest corporate responsibility rules

After France & Austria, Switzerland has reported a suspected act of terror. A 28-year-old 'Jihadist' attacked two women with a knife at a departmental store in Lugano. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Jihadist' knife attack in Switzerland

Switzerland is witnessing a second wave of coronavirus infections, nearly 5000 new cases reported daily. While neighboring countries has implied strict measures, Switzerland has implied moderate measures so as to make sure people are able to move on and learn to live with COVID 19.

Switzerland witnesses second wave of COVID-19

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