Lockdown Extension; Weather Keeps Police Busy; Residential Fire Destroys Building

News For 14 April 2020

Late last week, the Federal Government of Switzerland extended the lockdown measures in effect from April 19 to April 26.  Although isolation appears to have successfully curtailed the spread of the Corona virus, the government is still evaluating the spread of the virus among the population, and the effect on Swiss health-care infrastructure and mortality rates.  The Federal Council has plan to reevaluate the situation once again later this week and issue a determination about relaxing the lockdown rules.

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The summery weather this past holiday week-end meant more people out doors, despite Corina Virus related restrictions on public gatherings.  In Basel Stadt alone, over 76 fines were handed out for people that ignored social distancing rules or limits on gatherings of 5 or more people.  Although patrols by the police have been stepped up to ensure compliance, most people running afoul of the rules are simply warned to move or go home.

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Despite people staying indoors more often these days, or perhaps because of it - residential fires still seem to happen.  Monday morning in Kleinbasel a three story residential building caught fire forcing the evacuation of 12 occupants.  The fire broke out in the second floor apartment of the multi-family dwelling, injuring the two occupants.  The resulting damage has made the building uninhabitable.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.