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Here’s how large events will look in Switzerland from October 2020

Events with more than 1,000 people will be allowed in Switzerland again from October pursuant to a strict set of rules.

Published: 2 September 2020 18:29 CEST
Updated: 3 September 2020 11:26 CEST

Here’s how large events will look in Switzerland from October 2020

A pre-coronavirus crowd at a Young Boys Bern game. Photo: STEFAN WERMUTH / AFP

Banned since the start of the pandemic, events with more than 1,000 people will again be allowed to take place in Switzerland from October 1st.

In a meeting with cantonal officials on Wednesday, the Federal Council laid out the requirements that event organisers must adhere to if they are to be allowed to host events again.

All events require a ‘protection concept’, which lays out how the requirements will be adhered to.

All patrons must be seated at events, except for outdoor events such as skiing or cycling races.

The Swiss government's new rules for events from October 1st (in German). Image: FOPH/CH

At football and ice hockey games, all attendees must wear masks. Stadiums may be filled only to a maximum of two-thirds of overall capacity.

Away fans will not be allowed to attend.

Contact tracing must be implemented at all events.

While health authorities initially flagged an alcohol ban at all major events, this was walked back on Wednesday.

Instead, the Federal Council on Wednesday decided that alcohol can be sold at large events as long as patrons can stick to social distancing rules.

While the above are federal minimums, cantons are free to put in place additional restrictions – including banning alcohol or revoking permits from event organisers.

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How difficult is it to change your doctor in Switzerland?

There are a number of reasons why you may want to leave your GP and find a new one.

Maybe you don’t like their bedside manner, are not happy with the medical care, or are simply moving away and need to find someone closer to your new home.

Whatever the reason, whether or not you can easily switch from one doctor to another depends on the kind of health insurance you have.

Different models, different rights

If you have the ‘standard’ — and typically the most expensive — type of the obligatory health insurance (KVG / LaMal), then you are free to switch your GPs at will, and you don’t have to inform the insurance carrier of the switch.

However, if you have opted for one of the cheaper insurance models, then your right to switch doctors may be limited:

Family doctor model’

It is the most popular in Switzerland (and 20 percent cheaper than standard insurance policy premiums).

Under this model, you have a family doctor who will manage your care — that is, treat you or send you to specialists if needed (with the exception of gynecologists and eye doctors, who don’t require a referral).

You can’t, however, change doctors at will, unless your insurance company approves the switch.

Telemedicine model

If you have opted for the Telemed formula, you must call a health hotline set up by your insurance company.

They will give you a referral to a doctor or hospital based on your symptoms.

Heath Maintainance Organisation (HMO)

Under this model, policyholders are required to consult a particular HMO practice. Two disadvantages of this alternative is a limited choice of doctors and you also need a referral to see a specialist.

So the only option that gives you the right to switch doctors with no hassle is the standard one, with the family doctor model also possibly allowing you to do so, under certain circumstances.

The way Telmed and HMO are set up, however, switching doctors is not possible. If that option is important to you, then you will have to switch to the (more expensive) standard insurance.

The only exception to the above restrictions are emergencies, when you need urgent medical treatment.

Assuming you have the standard model, how do you go about changing?

The process is pretty simple: you can find physicians in your area either through recommendations from people you know (which is the best way to ensure you will not be getting an ‘anonymous’ doctor) or, if no recommendations are available, then through the OneDoc platform, which lists which doctors are taking new patients and where.

You can then make an appointment directly online.

When you do so, ask your current physician’s office to transfer your file to the new doc.

You don’t need to explain the reasons for the switch.

READ ALSO: The essential Swiss websites you need to use for health matters

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