Mandates And Boosters Against Corona; Wolf Sighted In Basel; Christmas Markets Will Go On

News For 23 November 2021

As of yesterday, the Basel Health authorities issued new mask mandates for schools and institutions.  Reacting to an increasing number of infections and worrying numbers in the rise of hospitalized people, the new rules require those in the 5th grade or above to wear masks in a school environment (with the exception of those with Covid certificates).  In hospitals and assisted living facilities, masks are required for everyone, including those with certificates.  Reassuringly, the Coronavirus booster shot campaign continues, with boosters being made available to all health care professionals.

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A young wolf was sighted in the Basel Land area. The sighting has been officially confirmed by KORA, the organization tasked with the conservation and management of predatory animals in Switzerland. It is unclear whether this wolf is responsible for the seven goats that were killed in nearby Lauwil in the past week. A DNA test should confirm whether it was indeed the wolf or perhaps a poaching dog. This is the first confirmed sighting of this kind in the Canton of Baselland since wolves have returned to Switzerland.

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The department of the Basel Stadt Cantonal President announced today that this year's Christmas Markets will go on as planned, in spite of rising Corona cases.  The total number of vendor stalls will be reduced to 130, from 2019's high of 160 stalls. All marketplaces will require a Corona certificate to enter, unlike the Herbstmesse which just concluded a few weeks ago.