Geneva limits gatherings to five in virus shutdown

GENEVA (AFP): The Swiss region of Geneva declared a “state of necessity” yesterday due to the coronavirus global pandemic, shutting bars and restaurants and limiting gatherings to just five people.

Geneva city, home to many international institutions including the United Nations’ headquarters in Europe and the World Health Organization, banned non-work gatherings of more than five people both indoors or outdoors.

“The council took strong restrictive measures this morning to make haste. Geneva will be in semi-containment,” canton council president Antonio Hodgers told a press conference, according to the ATS national news agency. Shops, restaurants and bars were to close yesterday at 6.00 p.m. (1700 GMT) until 29 March. Cinemas, theatres, sports centres and all other entertainment outlets will be shut.

Hotels, food shops, pharmacies, fuel stations and small kiosks will remain open along with food markets.

“Meetings of more than five people inside and outside are now prohibited,” the cantonal authorities said in a statement.

Professional meetings can go ahead as long as state social distancing and hygiene guidelines can be respected.