August 20, 2025|
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|4 months agoSwitzerland Updates Pandemic Protection Laws
Government adopts major revision of Epidemics Act to improve crisis response, clarifying federal and cantonal responsibilities for future health emergencies.
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Generated IllustrationKey Takeaways
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- The Swiss Federal Council adopted a major revision of the Epidemics Act on August 20, 2025.
- The revision clarifies the distribution of competencies between the federal government and cantons.
- The Federal Council can now order measures on public transport, such as mask mandates, even during a 'normal' situation.
- In a 'special' situation, the government determines strategy after consulting cantons, but cantons retain power over event restrictions.
- The federal government can authorize the production of critical medical goods if the private sector fails.
By The Numbers
3
escalation stages
2025
year
They Said
"The bill will bring improvements in dealing with health crises."
"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that adjustments are needed to improve prevention and the management of future threats to public health."
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