Graubunden Keeps Ski Areas Open
The ski areas in the canton remain open over the public holidays, provided the epidemiological situation and hospital capacities do not change significantly. The situation is assessed daily. The government decided on Monday due to the current situation in Graubünden. Without any significant change in the situation, the government will make a new decision on December 29, 2020. In addition, the canton is preparing intensively to be able to start the first vaccinations on January 4th.
The development of the number of cases in Graubünden is stable, the average of positive cases is around 100 people per day. Currently (as of December 21, 2020) there are 845 people in isolation and 958 people in quarantine. The regional hospitals currently have sufficient capacities to treat those suffering from Covid-19 as well as other people, namely those with sports injuries. The intensive care units are currently occupied on average and not overloaded.
The epidemiological situation in the canton therefore allows the ski areas to operate. By also meeting the requirements of Art. 5c Para. 3 lit. b to d of the Covid 19 Ordinance are met, the ski areas in the canton can be opened, provided that the respective protection concept has been approved by the health department. The Grisons ski areas are aware of their responsibility in the current situation. They are ready to accept substantial restrictions on the maximum number of people in the ski area. In addition, the sale of day tickets is limited. Day visitors are strongly advised to purchase an online ticket in advance where possible.
However, the development of the number of cases can change continuously. Therefore, the situation needs to be assessed on a daily basis; the permit can currently be issued until January 3, 2021, provided the situation does not change significantly. Without any significant change in the situation, the government will make a new decision on December 29, 2020.
To ensure that the capacities in the hospitals, especially on the IPS stations, are not exhausted too quickly, the ski areas must take comprehensive measures to reduce the risk of accidents (e.g. securing dangerous areas, closing dangerous slopes, etc.). In addition, the companies should encourage guests to behave as risk-free as possible. As a further measure - based on Art. 40, Paragraph 1 of the Federal Act on Combating Communicable Diseases of Humans (Epidemics Act, EpG; SR 818.101) - the serving and consumption of alcohol in the ski areas is prohibited.
Vaccination from the beginning of January
The canton of Graubünden is preparing intensively to be able to start the first vaccinations on January 4th, provided the vaccine has been delivered and the logistics are ensured. For the health department, the focus is on the safety and trust of the population. Therefore, the canton will not take part in a race among the cantons. Because although the first vaccine has been approved, there are still numerous challenges. For example, the federal government's specific vaccination recommendation is still pending, or the logistics and availability of federal administrative IT tools are still open.
For Graubünden only a small amount of the vaccine is likely to be expected. By week three, around 9,000 vaccine doses will be available. This corresponds to a vaccine allocation for around 4,500 people, as a 2-dose scheme or repetition at intervals of 21 days is recommended. The focus is therefore on people who are particularly at risk; first> 65 years, then <65 years with comorbidities, and then the health staff with patient contact and the care staff of people who are particularly at risk.
