[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] The Swiss government has allowed prostitution as part of easing COVID-19 lockdown measures, while banning sports activities.
According to Bloomberg on the 28th (local time), the Swiss government decided to permit the operation of cinemas, nightclubs, public swimming pools, and prostitution starting from the 6th of next month. However, sports activities involving close physical contact, such as judo, boxing, and wrestling, remain prohibited.
This has led to criticism that the Swiss authorities' COVID-19 easing measures are contradictory. Alain Berset, Minister of Health, acknowledged, "There is clearly personal contact involved, but from a protection standpoint, it seems possible," adding, "I am well aware of the strange aspect of my answer." He also added, "To be honest, sex services could have resumed a bit earlier."
This is not the first time the Swiss authorities have issued conflicting measures. Previously, Hans St?ckli, President of the Senate, pointed out in an interview with local media that while the government implemented phased easing measures starting April 27, allowing large retailers to sell books, bookstores themselves were not permitted to do so.
He also criticized that grandparents were allowed to hug their grandchildren but not to take care of them, and that museums could reopen from May 11, while zoos were only allowed to resume operations from June.
St?ckli emphasized that such detailed matters should be decided through consultations among the relevant parties rather than the government alone, and that these decisions must be based on clear criteria.
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