In order to protect our community through Academic Travel and our community’s return to campus after travel, Franklin will maintain stricter measures than the Swiss authorities until March 31, 2022. These measures include:
- Franklin continues to mandate FFP2/KN95/N95 masks in all classrooms, meeting spaces (conference rooms, offices, etc.), libraries, auditorium, and shared offices until March 31, 2022.
- All Franklin employees are required to wear a FFP2/KN95/N95 masks when they are in the same indoor space as others.
- Masks are required for Food Service staff and students who prepare food for events and programs.
- Entrance to the Tone Athletic Center (TAC) requires a 3g COVID certificate and it is optional to wear a mask.
- Entrance to events/programs requires either a 3g COVID certificate or the requirement to wear a mask.
- Masks and registration are both required for visitors to the Franklin campus.
- Masks are strongly recommended in all indoor areas, including the Dining Hall and Grotto when you are not eating/drinking.
- All community members are encouraged to follow the hygiene guidelines and maintain 1.5 meters distance from others. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot use soap and water to wash your hands.
Mandates Continue for Isolation and Masks in Certain Venues
Given the high infection rate at the moment, isolation and masks in certain settings are still required until March 31, 2022.
- Individuals who test positive are required to isolate and avoid all contact with others for at least 5 days. Franklin students must present a negative COVID test result to medicalservices@fus.edu before returning to class, campus buildings, or campus activities. Franklin employees must submit a negative COVID test result to VP Tomaso Rizzi before returning to campus.
- Masks are required on public transportation and in healthcare institutions (pharmacies, hospitals, medical clinics, etc.) until March 31, 2022. Individual establishments may still stipulate that visitors must wear a mask.
Changes to COVID Certificate and Mask Requirement
As the epidemiological situation continues to develop positively, the FOPH announced that starting Thursday, February 16, COVID certificates and masks will no longer be required to enter off campus shops, restaurants, bars, and indoor venues. Swiss authorities will continue to provide COVID certificatesrecognized by the EU for Swiss residents who travel abroad.
Changes to COVID Testing and Work From Home
The cost of individual COVID tests will continue to be covered by the authorities: antigen tests in all cases, and PCR tests for individuals with symptoms or after close contact with someone who tested positive. The recommendation to work from home has been lifted and Franklin encourages employees to discuss their work situation with their supervisor and to refer to the forthcoming Pandemic Protection Plan.
Changes to Rules for Entry to Switzerland
Health-related measures for persons entering Switzerland are to be lifted. It will no longer be necessary to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test or to complete an entry form to enter Switzerland.
With these changes, we remind our community to remain cautious and to take personal responsibility as we continue to have individuals who test positive for COVID. Contact medicalservices@fus.edu if you have questions about your health or situation.