Avalanche warning issued for parts of the Swiss Alps; unemployment rate to go up in 2026; and more news in our roundup on Monday.
Parts of Swiss Alps are on avalanche alert
Heavy snowfall – between 20 and 40 cm in the mountains – has increased the risk of avalanches in certain Alpine areas.
Consequently, the government has issued the second-highest avalanche risk warning – 4 out of 5.
The areas where the risk is highest are Valais, as well as the Bernese Oberland.
Orange colour indicates where the risk of avalanches is highest. Map by the Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research
Swiss unemployment rate to increase in 2026 – but there’s good news long-term
The numerous job cuts planned by a number Swiss companies are being reflected in the government statistics.
For the whole of 2025, this rate has reached 2.8 percent – a hike of 0.4 percentage points compared to 2024.
What about 2026?
On average, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) forecasts an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent for this year.
On the positive side, however, SECO pointed out that in Switzerland, the risk of remaining permanently unemployed is relatively low because the country’s labour market is “very dynamic.”
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A canton to impose high fines for vaccination refusers
Vaccinations are not compulsory in Switzerland. However, St. Gallen authorities want the current voluntary nature of public vaccinations to be abolished.
As part of its new health law, the canton is planning to introduce hefty fines – up to 20,000 francs – for people who do not get vaccinated despite a vaccination obligation, thus endangering public health.
The regulation refers to the Epidemics Act, which allows the federal government and cantons to make vaccinations compulsory for certain groups under certain conditions.
Sr. Gallen authorities are arguing that disregarding the vaccination obligation could endanger public health.
At the same time, the Epidemics Act is also being revised at federal level.
According to the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), this revision is based on lessons learnt during the COVID pandemic – specifically tp be better prepared for future health crises.
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