Thread by @KatharinaBart

#Swiss government prohibits gatherings of more than five people and decides on 32 bln Sfr in aid measures for business; #Zurich is closing the lakeshore, according to @NZZ (which infuriatingly has its real-time coverage of this behind paywall). #coronavirus #Switzerland

This is NOT a lockdown or even a curfew, but the government is stepping up its rhetoric, saying people should "urgently" stay at home. #coronavirus #Switzerland

.@alain_berset says #Swiss government prefers not to impose a full lockdown, appeals to population to be sensible.

"Our own behavior and not a lockdown is what is going to protect us, he says. "A lot depends on our behavior."

#coronavirus #Switzerland

The 32 bln Sfr is IN ADDITION to the 10 bln Sfr already decided.

#Swiss government will also offer short-term "COVID-19 bridge financing" for small businesses forced to shut. It will back loans for as much as 10 percent of revenue, capped at 20 mln Sfr.
#coronavirus #Switzerland

#Swiss finance minister: "We want to build trust: we are here for you, we won't let you down, go to your bank, solve the problem, the bank is ready to talk to you."
#Switzerland #coronavirus

Swiss fin min Ueli Maurer: We can't do this without running up debt – unless you guys want to pay us more taxes?
#coronavirus #Switzerland

He later adds the kicker, when asked about interest rates on these loans, "Hey, banks aren't Pestalozzi," referring to 18th century #Swiss social reformer and educator.
#coronavirus #Switzerland