Swiss voters extend COVID law

Swiss voters last week reportedly voted to extend the government’s emergency COVID-19 law until next year despite there being no outbreak in the country.

Switzerland’s COVID-19 law, like those in other countries, allows the government to enforce vaccinations, restrict border entry, and implement other measures in the name of public health.

Vaccine mandates were lifted in February 2022 and all other restrictions were repealed in September. While the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has said it is not recommending COVID-19 vaccinations this summer, a recommendation “will be evaluated again and adjusted accordingly” come autumn.

The law was extended for the third time after receiving 61.9% of the vote, making Switzerland the second country to extend its COVID-19 law after the pandemic.

In February, Israel’s government extended its COVID-19 law despite overwhelming opposition and there being no COVID-19 outbreak. The law will remain in effect until February 15, 2024, "to continue to enable legal infrastructure for imposing restrictions and maintaining public health." 

The Israeli Law on Special Authorities for Dealing with the Novel Coronavirus grants the government unbridled authority to implement sweeping restrictions and criminalize non-compliance. It authorizes the government to require proof of vaccination, a negative coronavirus test or recovery certificate as a condition for entering places that are open to the public, businesses, workplaces, and more. 

Restrictions may be placed on movement and gatherings both in public and private spaces, including one’s own residence. The government can close businesses and can force those that remain open to serve only the vaccinated. 

Physical distancing and masking requirements may also be enforced. 

Establishments allowing entry to a person who has not presented an up-to-date negative test result, Green Pass vaccine passport, or proof of recovery may be fined up to NIS 10,000 ($2,815).  

The government may enforce hygiene, regulate types of activities and place restrictions related to a person’s private vehicle. Limitations on schools may be enforced as well. 

“The law does not generally apply to the president of the state, official buildings of the Knesset, the state comptroller’s office, and courts and tribunals,” says the bill. “It similarly does not apply to the Israel Defense Force, the Israel police, the Prison Authority, and other institutions specified by the law.”

Switzerland’s and Israel’s extensions of their coronavirus emergency laws come as the European Commission prepares global vaccine passports in partnership with the World Health Organization.