Coronavirus: Federal Council proposes test offensive to accompany relaxation of measures – free tests for everyone
Bern, 5.3.2021 - The Federal Council wants to massively expand testing in parallel to easing coronavirus restrictions. It is proposing that the Confederation should assume the cost of all tests to encourage more widespread testing. In order to improve the prevention and early detection of coronavirus outbreaks, companies and schools are to conduct regular testing. Employees at companies that test frequently can be exempted from the quarantine requirement for persons who have had contact with someone who has tested positive. In addition, the Federal Council wants to provide each member of the public with five free self-tests a month as soon as reliable tests are available. To ensure that everyone can be tested immediately, all tests in pharmacies and test centres will be free of charge, even for people without symptoms. The cost of expanding testing is estimated at over CHF 1 billion. The Federal Council will make a final decision after consulting the cantons on 12 March.