GENEVA, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss government on Wednesday decided to speed up the process of lifting the COVID-19 containment measures, thus more businesses in the country will reopen earlier than previously announced.
Following its meeting on Wednesday, the Swiss Federal Council announced that the second stage of relaxation will also see restaurants, museums and libraries reopen from May 11. The previous list included shops, markets and primary and lower secondary schools only.
Public transport will return normal schedules, and certain sports training sessions will also be allowed to resume from May 11.
"The spread of the new coronavirus in Switzerland has continued to slow," the Swiss government said in a statement on Wednesday. "Results show that the public is cooperating well with measures to combat the virus. The Federal Council has therefore decided to further ease measures taken to protect the population against the coronavirus."
Switzerland introduced a three phase exit strategy on April 16. Hair salons, garden centers and DIY stores reopened on April 27 as the confederation's first phase plan came into force.
At Wednesday's meeting, the Swiss government also agreed to gradually relax coronavirus-related border restrictions, which will make it possible for family members of Swiss citizens and citizens of European Union (EU) member states to enter Switzerland. Applications for work permits from abroad will be processed from May 11 onward.
However, other restrictions on cross-border movement will remain in place for the time being, the government said.
The statement stressed that the easing of the measures is still conditional and changes might be made depending on how well the public continues to comply with the rules on hygiene and social distancing.
On May 27, the Swiss Federal Council will decide on a third phase of easing the measures from June 8. This phase may include the lifting of the ban on gatherings of more than five people, a return to classroom teaching in baccalaureate schools and higher education institutions, and reopening cultural venues.
As of Wednesday morning, a total of 29,407 confirmed coronavirus cases had been reported in Switzerland, and the death toll reached 1,408. Enditem
