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Table 1 Press releases from Swiss national authorities illustrate the temporal development of face mask policies during the COVID-19 pandemic until October 2020.

From: Face mask uptake in the absence of mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative interview study with Swiss residents

Date

Title of press release

Content summary

22 April 2020

Coronavirus: Federal Council does not want a general obligation to wear a mask

Swiss Federal council decides against face mask mandates

29 April 2020

Coronavirus: Federal Council to ease further measures from 11 May

Face masks start to be considered for certain branches when creating after-lockdown protection strategies

30 April 2020

New coronavirus: the ‘Protect yourself and others’ campaign moves to pink phase

Swiss health authorities recommend general face mask wearing for the first time, particularly in public situations when a distance of at least 2 meters cannot be respected

1 July 2020

Coronavirus: Masks compulsory on public transport; quarantine for travellers from high-risk regions; lifting of certain entry restrictions from 20 July

Nation-wide face mask mandates in public transport from 6 July 2020

18 October 2020

Coronavirus: Restrictions on private events, no gatherings in public of more than 15 people; masks mandatory in more areas and working from home recommended

Nation-wide face mask mandates in publicly accessible indoor areas

28 October 2020

Coronavirus: further measures to contain the epidemic, introduction of rapid testing, new rules on travel quarantine

Nation-wide face mask mandates extended to outside areas of establishments and facilities and busy pedestrian zones as well as schools (upper secondary level and higher)