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What are the rules for masks in schools in Switzerland?

Schools across Switzerland have tightened mask rules. Here's what you need to know.

Published: 14 December 2021 17:26 CET

What are the rules for masks in schools in each Swiss canton? Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

As at December 14th, 2021, Switzerland’s response to the fourth wave of the pandemic has been largely cantonal.

While there are some minimum standards set by the federal government, the main rules have been put in place at a cantonal level.

This is the case for mask rules in schools, which vary widely across the country.

One in three Covid infections affect younger people

Switzerland has recently acknowledged the role played by infections among children in prolonging the pandemic.

From January, children as young as five will be able to be vaccinated against Covid.

Every third new coronavirus infection in Switzerland affects young people under the age of 19.

Never before have so many people in this age group been infected with Covid as now: in the week from November 22nd to 28th alone, every third new infection was caused by under 19-year-olds. This trend has intensified since then, authorities said.

In many cantons there is no mask requirement in schools – not even for teachers. Repetitive testing isn’t mandatory everywhere either – and some schools that do screen are slowed down by overburdened testing labs. In many places, potentially contaminated students have to wait several days for a test result while they continue to go to school.

Urs Karrer, vice-president of Covid-19 Task Force is calling on cantons and schools to revise the “inadequate” protection concepts over the Christmas holidays.

He worries that the children will carry the infections into the family during this time. “That’s why adults should have a booster shot as quickly as possible”, he said.

Mask rules

The following is a summary of which measures are in place in which canton, including the mask rules in schools.

These are in addition to the measures in place at a nationwide level. For a summary of the measures in place at a nationwide level, click here.

Aargau

Masks must be worn in schools from grade five and above.

Covid certificates are required to visit hospitals and care facilities.

Employees in these facilities must either be vaccinated, recovered or be tested at least once per week.

Appenzell Ausserrhoden

All secondary school students and teachers in secondary schools must wear a mask.

Appenzell Innerrhoden

Covid certificates are required to work in or visit hospitals and care facilities. Masks must be worn in indoor areas, as well as in busy outdoor areas such as train station underpasses and pedestrian zones.

High school students are subject to regular testing.

Basel City

From December 6th, events with more than 300 people must be reported to cantonal officials.

Consumption in restaurants and bars needs to take place at tables, i.e. no standing room.

Masks are required in schools from grade five, with masks recommended between grades one and four.

Covid certificates are required to visit hospitals and care facilities.

Basel Country

Covid certificates are required to visit hospitals and care facilities.

Masks are required in schools from grade five.

Bern

From November 29th to December 23rd, “all persons over the age of 12 who participate in an event, a market, a specialised fair or any public event are required to wear a face mask, whether or not access is restricted to holders of a certificate”, cantonal authorities said.

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The obligation to wear a mask is extended to outdoor areas of public transport waiting rooms, as well as to access to public transport.

Also, masks are required in schools, for visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and facilities for people with disabilities.

Bern authorities have taken these steps “to avoid as far as possible the need to close whole or partial sectors of activity, as has been the case in the past.

The extension of the obligation to wear a mask in schools is initially valid until January 24th, 2022. “The Bernese government is constantly monitoring developments. If necessary, it will extend or adapt these measures”.

Fribourg

Masks are required in schools from grade five if there has been a Covid case in the class.

If there has been several Covid cases at the school, masks are required for the entire school.

What are the rules for masks in schools in each Swiss canton? Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Geneva

Geneva this week also expanded its mask requirement for children in the fifth class and above.

Also from Monday, November 29th, “the canton has reintroduced the compulsory wearing of masks in enclosed premises, events or other areas accessible to the public, as well as in enclosed areas of workplaces and training centres”, authorities said.

Everyone over the age of 12 must comply with these rules.

These measures do not apply, however, to “establishments designed for dancing”, as the verification of Covid certificates is required in these venues, the canton said.

Glarus

Masks are only required at school in Glarus if an outbreak occurs at the school.

Graubünden

School grades third and above must wear a mask as of December 13th.

Jura

Masks must be worn at indoor events with more than 300 people, even if this event is already restricted to ‘2G’.

A Covid certificate is required for private meetings with ten or more people.

Schools must conduct Covid tests weekly.

High school students must wear masks.

Staff in hospitals and nursing homes must have a Covid certificate.

Lucerne

Students from grade one and above must wear a mask, while schools must conduct weekly tests

Visitors and staff in health care and aged care facilities need a Covid certificate.

Neuchâtel

A Covid certificate is required for private meetings with ten or more people aged 16 and over.