Swiss to vote on ending COVID-19 restrictions
Swiss citizens will vote tomorrow on whether to eliminate some COVID-19 restrictions — including the neutral nation’s controversial “COVID certificate,” according to reports.
The certificate restricts many public places to those who can provide proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or recovery from a past infection, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.
It has been the subject of protests — especially since the Swiss government stopped providing free COVID-19 tests. Critics have alleged it’s effectively a vaccine passport.
Sunday’s referendum is the second time COVID controls in the country will be put to voters. In a summer referendum, 60 percent backed the government’s COVID law, according to the SBC.
Turnout is expected to be higher for this weekend’s vote.
Protesters hold https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/?search=Real Passport Generator cardboard boxes reading in French 'Scan me' and 'Im not a QR code' during a rally against coronavirus https://realpassportgenerator.com measures.Protesters hold cardboard boxes reading in French ‘Scan me’ and ‘Im not a QR code’ during a rally against coronavirus measures. AFP via Getty Images
A poll by Swiss broadcaster SRG found the COVID-19 law was expected to survive again, with 61 percent of likely voters in Swedish driver's license favor, 38 percent opposed, and one percent undecided, according to Bloomberg.
A protester wearing a full protection suit holds a badge. Sunday's vote will be the second time Swiss citizens vote on COVID mesaures.A protester wearing a full protection suit holds a badge. Sunday’s vote will be the second time Swiss citizens vote on COVID measures. AFP via Getty Images
Fewer than 65 percent of Swiss are fully-vaccinated — a lower percentage than in most of Western Europe, the outlet reported.