On the 28 November the Swiss electorate voted on Amendment of 19 March 2021 to the COVID-19 Act.
In brief
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic required the Federal Council to take swift and wide-ranging action to protect people and businesses. Initially this involved partial recourse to emergency law. The COVID-19 Act that Parliament passed in September 2020 specifies which additional measures the Federal Council is permitted to take to fight the pandemic and how it should buffer the impact on the economy. The Act was adjusted several times in response to the crisis as it unfolded. In a referendum held on 13 June 2021, 60 per cent of the electorate voted to approve the Act. Part of the Act will be put to a vote again on 28 November as a result of another referendum being called. The referendum concerns the adjustments Parliament decided on in March 2021.
Proposal
Parliament’s March 2021 change to the Act expanded financial support to those affected by the COVID-19 crisis who had previously received little or no aid. Contact tracing to break the chain of infections was developed further, and the Confederation’s support for testing was established, as well as its ability to assume testing costs. Parliament also created the legal basis for the COVID certificate it requires (for people who have recovered, or who have been vaccinated or tested) to facilitate travel abroad and allow certain events to be held.
Last modification 23.11.2021
