Limited Sunday shop openings get support from the parliament; Switzerland prepares a ‘just-in-case’ pandemic plan; and other news in our roundup on Thursday.
MPs vote in favour of limited Sunday shop openings
The Council of States’ Economic Affairs and Taxes Committee backed the initiative spearheaded by canton Zurich to allow retailers to open for business 12 Sundays per year.
The National Council’s committee had already green-lighted this move.
The majority of deputies agreed with the premise of responding “to the new needs of society by granting greater flexibility to the retail sector so that it can also offer its services on Sundays.”
“The proposed amendment to the Labor Act aims to respond to this development and strengthen the competitiveness of local retail,” the committee said.
It will submit its preliminary draft for consultation around mid-August.
READ ALSO: Why is everything in Switzerland closed on Sundays – and what can you do instead?
Switzerland updates its pandemic plan
Though no serious, massive-scale health crises are expected in the foreseeable future, the Covid pandemic has taught governments to be prepared for the worst, just in case.
That is why Swiss government “has updated the national pandemic plan, taking into account the experience and lessons learned during Covid,” the Federal Council said in a press release on Wednesday.
The updated strategy “enables the federal government, cantons and municipalities to prepare for and manage pandemics.”
The new plan outlines concrete activities for surveillance, infection control, care, and vaccination. It also includes other cross-cutting aspects to consider in pandemic preparedness, such as communication, security of supply, finances, and personnel.
“In addition, checklists, action plans, and recommendations for action provide practical and operational support that the government, cantons, and municipalities can incorporate into their pandemic preparedness and management,” according to the press release.
Advertisement
Swiss lakes also suffer from extremely hot weather
Many lakes in Switzerland are experiencing a record rise in temperature, with an average increase of 5C in the past two weeks — an all-time record, according to the MeteoNews weather service.
Lake Geneva’s water temperature, for instance, is 26C and Lake Lugano’s, 28C, which is the highest in Switzerland.
Though many swimmers and bathers may enjoy this ‘hot’ water, it has a negative impact on aquatic flora and fauna, for which such high temps don’r constitute a natural environment.
However, MeteoNews expects lower temperatures that are forecast for this weekend and early next week to cool down the water and bring it back to the normal range.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
