Hygiene rules and how to behave
Keep your distance
Keep the necessary distance of 1.5m minimum at all times (for example when waiting in a queue, in the supermarket or in school).
Keep the necessary distance in the train as good as possible. Try to walk or use your bike instead.
Masks are compulsory in public spaces.
By law you have to wear a mask on all forms of public transport. This applies on trains, trams, buses, funicular railways, cable cars and boats including on the outside deck.By law you have to wear a mask on all forms of public transport. You also have to wear a mask in public spaces like public buildings, train stations, parcs, squares, pedestrian zones or shopping promenades. Mask requirement also applies for shops and services.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Wash your hands every time you come home, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before preparing food.
Always use soap when washing your hands as the soap renders the virus harmless.
Avoid shaking hands
Do not shake hands, greet others by waving instead.
Avoid hugging or kissing other people.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
Be careful when coughing and sneezing
Cough and sneeze into a paper tissue or the crook of your arm.
Wash your hands afterwards after sneezing.
Dispose the tissue and never use it twice.
Always leave your contact details whenever possible
Use the contact detail sheets when provided (for example in cafes, bars, restaurants, etc.) to make transmission chains traceable. We strongly recommend you to download the SwissCovid app on your phone. It alerts you when you’ve had contact with an infected person, makes transmission chains traceable and helps containing the virus.
Symptoms and Reaction
If you experience symptoms get tested immediately and stay at home
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below or feel ill in general, talk to your host family and your AFS contact person. We’re always there to help and support you! Get tested immediately and strictly stay at home until you get the results. Please inform your host family and AFS contact person about the test results.
Most common symptoms
- respiratory illness symptoms (sore throat, cough (usually dry), shortness of breath, chest pain)
- High temperature
- Sudden loss of sense of smell and/or taste
Other symptoms may include
- Headache
- General weakness, feeling unwell
- Aching muscles
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache)
- Head cold
- Skin rash
Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s or the emergency department
Take symptoms seriously and get help. If you don’t feel well, talk to your host family and contact your AFS contact person. Your host family will help you organizing an appointment at the doctor’s.
Isolation or Quarantine
Isolate yourself if you test positive.
Quarantine yourself if you’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive.
Further recommendation
Further Information
Further information about the virus, disease, treatment, rules as well as updates on the current situation can be found on the website of the Federal Office of Public Health, called BAG in German. Check out their Website
Responsibility
The rules in Switzerland may not be as strict as they are in your home country. This means that the responsibility lies on each individual. Just because something is legal or allowed doesn’t mean it’s always ok. We strongly encourage you to evaluate situations and behave in a careful and responsible way!
Please remember that you’re a member of your host family and respect the rules set by your family. Take care of yourself and your host family and behave responsibly.