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This content was published on March 21, 2020 3:45 p.m.
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Switzerland is one of the countries most affected by the coronavirus, with more than 6,100 people tested positive and 56 deaths.

Here’s the latest information: 

• As of March 21, 6,113 people have tested positive and the death toll has reached 56. It will take at least a week for the rate of infections to ease, health officials warn
• The government has issued a recommendation to all citizens to stay at home, especially the sick and the elderly. It has announced a countrywide ban on gatherings of more than five people and more measures to help support the economy.
• Cantons have been warned not to exceed the recommendations of the government.
• Government charters flights to repatriate Swiss tourists trapped abroad.
• An “extraordinary situation” has been declared, resulting in a ban on all private and public events and closing bars, restaurants, sports and cultural spaces; only businesses providing essential goods remain open. Schools are closed nationwide. The measures are in force until April 19.

Pharmacists stock up on protective masks in Stabio, Ticino, earlier this week. 
 

What’s the current situation in Switzerland?

The spread of the coronavirus, the government has categorised the situation in the country as “extraordinary”.external link This allows the authorities to take over certain powers from the 26 cantons and to impose measures, including bans on events. The application of these legal provisions is a first for Switzerland.

The government has ramped up its response to the widening pandemic, ordering the closure of bars, restaurants, sports facilities and cultural spaces. Only businesses providing essential goods to the population – such as grocery stores, bakeries and pharmacies – are to remain open. Banks and post offices will also be open. The new measures are in place until April 19.

The Health Office said numbers of positive tests were rising so fast that it is difficult to provide accurate figures. Experts warned that cases will continue to rise, and that “we have to make sure the infection rate goes down today, because otherwise, in ten days Swiss hospitals won't be able to handle it.”

The government, while calling on people to stay at home unless necessary, has maintained that daily supplies of medicine and food are guaranteed. The government has rationed some common painkiller and anti-fever drugs to prevent panic buying.

The Federal Council recommends that residents stay at home, especially the sick and people 65 or older. Canton Uri went further by forbidding over-65s from leaving their homes, except for visits to the doctors, or a 2-hour walk, alone. This came as elderly residents were not respecting the government's recommendations. 

The Justice ministry said Uri had over-stepped its authority and told the central canton to revise its policy.

The federal government has introduced a countrywide ban on gatherings of more than five people in public places.