WHAT's NEW?
QUITE A LOT!!
So in the fortnight since our last post on the subject there have been quite a few changes. The numbers of new infections have been on the rise, sharply! This has been especially so in Valais (although more in the west of the canton than the east) and we are certainly hearing stories of positive tests.
Tuesday 27th there was a press conference from the COVID Task Force detailing the increase in numbers and the need for drastic action. Wednesday 28th the government update put in place roughly the same measures across the country that Valais already put in place last week.
The big change with respect to the ski season (which we know is still a way off!) is the change in the quarantine rules. The new criteria state that: The new infections per 100 000 inhabitants over the past 14 days are examined to determine whether a country or an area has an increased risk of infection, If the incidence in a country is at least 60 higher than the incidence in Switzerland, the country will be added to the list.
This means that visitors from the UK currently do not have to quarantine on arrival in Switzerland. Obviously this can change any time.
Latest change in the measures to combat coronavirus here in switzerland
THE NUMBERS...
New cases in Switzerland
There’s no way of putting a massively positive light on this, the numbers of new cases in Switzerland have gone through the roof in the last 2 weeks.
But in the announcement yesterday they are hoping that new measures and a level of individual responsibility will bring this down without having to go into full lockdown.
For all the latest from the government (in English) check here: bag.admin.ch
New cases in Valais
Here in Valais the numbers have been amongst the highest in Switzerland. But the canton stepped in and introduced tougher measures to try and tackle it so hopefully we will see things calm down in the next week or two.
The Corona-data.ch website now has the stats from March back on the site so this week I have just put the screenshot of that. Look at the numbers now compared to when we were in lockdown! There is of course so much more testing now.
But life is going on here, people are being careful, wearing masks, and we can, for now, go about our daily life.
The different colours are for the 3 cantons of:
- Geneva (yellow)
- Zurich (blue)
- Valais (red)
The situation in Zermatt
Autumn 2020 in Zermatt
Matterhorn Paradise lift pass policy re COVID for winter 20/21
In a nutshell if you book your lift pass online but can’t make it out to Zermatt due to travel bans, you or persons closely associated catching COVID-19 or resort facilities being closed due to federal or cantonal authorities then you will be issued with a credit note for the lift pass that is valid for 5 years. There are other insurance options and some lift passes are not valid for the credit note scheme so be sure to check the terms and conditions in detail.
Matterhorn Paradise COVID measures for winter 20/21
Purchase tickets online if possible. Use electronic or contactless payment methods if paying on-site.
Observe the general hygiene rules from the Department of Health and wash your hands regularly.
Maintain social distancing in station buildings, cabins and other public areas.
The wearing of a face mask is mandatory in all ski lifts.
