Coronavirus Update Lucerne - Back in business
Updated: August 17, 2020
Has the spread of the Coronavirus slowed down in Lucerne?
Yes, the spread of the Coronavirus almost came to a halt in Switzerland and Lucerne. When stay-at-home lockdown restrictions were imposed on Swiss society in mid-March, the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Switzerland increased gradually before hitting about 1200 new cases per day at the beginning of April. Throughout April the rate of the virus' spread decreased steadily to around 100 cases per day and lower at the beginning of May. Since the easing of restrictions in mid-May and early June, allowing people to gather and businesses to reopen, new cases in all of Switzerland did stabilise at the low number of around 20 to 30 new cases daily. However, since then the number af daily new infectiosn climbed back up slowly to more than 200 cases per day. Find all the updated coronavirus numbers here: www.corona-data.ch.
By now most lock down restrictions have been eased. All businesses including restaurants, bars, museums, sports and leisure establishments are now open again, though restrictions apply. The main restriction that remains in place is to keep a distance of 1.5 meters all the time and there is a maximum amount of people that can attend a venue or a shop. If keeping that distance is impossible, you are advised to wear a face mask. Public transport is back at full steam including all the touristic lines, boat and ship traffic on the lakes and gondolas and the like to the mountain peaks. However, in public transport it is mandatory to wear a face mask. The federal government allows events with up to 1000 participants. However, many cantons restricted this number to 300 or even 100. You will have to leave your contact details, show your ID and might be asked to wear a mask.
Travel Information
Travel within Switzerland is possible without restrictions. The borders are open again for all residents of EU- and Schengen countries. However, for travellers from many countries there are quarantine requirements when entering Switzerland. You can find the continuously updated list of countries with quarantine requirements here. Boarders are still closed for residents and/or citizens of most non-Schengen-countries. There are some exceptions, please check this government website for details and updates.
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Public events and transport, restaurants & shops
The general ban on events has been lifted. Only public and private events with more than 1000 participants are still banned (in reality, in many cantons the maximum participants for an event is 300 or even 100). However, you will have to leave your contact details with any event and might be asked to show your ID and wear a face mask. Some concert and culture venues, clubs and the like are open once again. Restaurants, bars, shops, sports and leisure establishments are open as well. For many nightlife venues, bars and restaurants you will have to register, leave your contact details and show your ID. People over 65 years and people with pre-illnesses are asked to take extra caution and not to go out in rush hours. In public transport it is mandatory to wear a face mask.
Is it safe to travel to Lucerne?
With most venues open again, low numbers of new daily infections and few entry restrictions for residents of Schengen countries, a visit to Switzerland and Zurich probably sounds like a good idea. If you follow the hygiene and distancing rules, we consider the risk of getting infected with the corona virus in Zurich and Switzerland currently rather low. And some attractions might have the advantage of smaller crowds these days. However, a certain risk remains obviously and if travelling under the current circumstances is fun, everyone has to decide for him/herself.
How to protect yourself
For the latest developments, and information on how to protect yourself, check the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health FOPH.
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