French speaking cantons have stricter isolation rules

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French speaking cantons are being accused of tightening isolation rules quietly and going beyond what is being demanded by the Federal Health Office.

The federal rules say that those who’ve tested positive have to stay in isolation for 5 days and can only be released if they’ve been symptom free for 48 hours.

But an agreement with the cantonal heath directors in the Swiss Romande has changed the way the first date of infection is calculated. 

Once a person has a formal positive test, the date of the start of isolation can only be taken back 48 hours – even if the person had symptoms before that. Officials say this is to stop people abusing the system and giving a date to try to get out of isolation earlier.

Those caught up with the new rules say they were unaware of the changes and say authorities have been acting stealthily. 

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