6 Mar 2020 Geneva, Switzerland - Swiss authorities are now categorizing the condition in Switzerland as a special situation under the Swiss Epidemics Act. There are over a hundred confirmed positive tested cases of COVID-19 within Swiss borders, and the first report of death in Lausanne, Vaud.
Swiss authorities have taken unprecedented measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including a ban on large-scale events involving more than 1,000 people have been banned effective immediately, starting from February 28, 2020, at least until 15 March 2020, when the policy will be reviewed.
There are currently no travel restrictions for entry into Switzerland, according to the Federal Office of Public Health. New measures would be considered if authorities determine that virus transmission is not under control.
The Philippine Mission to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva and the Philippine Consulate General, Geneva ask the Filipino communities in Geneva and Vaud to follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Kababayans are advised to seek information from reliable and trusted sources, including the World Health Organization and the Swiss Federal Government for information relevant to your place of work and residence. Regular updates, information on basic health measures, and other frequently asked questions may be found on the website of the WHO (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public) and the website of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health https://www.bag.admin.ch/bag/en/home.html)
We take this opportunity to advise kababayans that, in light of the spread of COVID-19 in the jurisdiction of Geneva and Vaud, the Philippine Consulate General Geneva will be implementing a phased response, starting with Preliminary Precautions to Reduce Exposure. Specifically, we wish to provide the following advise:
- Consular services – regular schedule will be maintained for the time being. However, we strongly encourage those who are not feeling well to forego non-emergency transactions, in the interest of public safety. If you are feeling unwell, do stay home or seek appropriate medical attention.
- Weekend Open House Consular Services – suspended until further notice.
The Philippine Consulate General has not received reports of kababayans affected. We assure the community that assistance, to the extent possible, will be provided by the Philippine government to nationals in need. We are consulting community organizations on the appropriate response to COVID-19 and welcome suggestions in this regard. END