I arrived in Zurich on the 24 th of December for a weeks visit to my girlfriend. I am vaccinated and provided a pcr negative result before my departure that was done before the 72 hour window period.
Today I recieved a email from my local canton that has left me a bit confused. It states that I should upload my pcr test that’s no older than 72 hours upon arrival and it also states:
Der PCR-Test darf nicht älter als 72h sein, der Antigen-Schnelltest nicht älter als 24h.
***) Der Einreisetag gilt als Tag 0.
Does this mean I need to take another pcr test after my arrival and send the document to my local canton or am I misunderstanding that the test they are relating too is the one before my departure?
I’ve checked the FOPH site that states:
On boarding: On boarding, everyone aged 16 and over intending to enter Switzerland by air or bus must be able to show the negative result of a PCR test (performed no more than 72 hours prior to boarding) or a rapid antigen test (performed no more than 24 hours previously). If you cannot show such a test you will not be allowed to board the aircraft or vehicle. Note: For people entering Switzerland from a country with a variant of concern, the test requirement on boarding already applies to those aged 6 and over.
Exception to the test requirement on boarding
On entry to Switzerland: On entering Switzerland, everyone aged 16 and over must be able to show the negative result of a PCR test (performed no more than 72 hours prior to entry) or a rapid antigen test (performed no more than 24 hours previously). Anyone unable to present a valid negative PCR test, must take a test immediately on arrival (PCR or rapid antigen test).
Did you get a PCR test in Switzerland before departure and are re-entering Switzerland within 72 hours? When staying abroad for more than 24 hours, we highly recommend you get another test before returning to Switzerland.
Pcr test was performed on the 21st of December at 6:30 pm. Arrival in Switzerland was on the 24th of December at 3pm. Thus making it 68.5hours. If my test was past the 72 hour window period I would have not been allowed in the country.
I think it may just be an automated message if the cantons haven’t updated their process because the rules keep being changed every 45 minutes. I’d just ignore it. I did read that the cantons were getting annoyed with the Federal government because it was a nightmare for them to monitor the post arrival tests.
Yes I thought the message may have been automated from the previous set of covid rules as it makes no sense from what’s stated in the current rules on the FOPH site. Thought I would just double check to keep myself right. Thanks!
I got a similar stupid message from the medecin cantonal from Vaud, which ordered me into quarantine after a return from the UK, in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Authorities. I ended up in a ping-pong exchange, which started off by me pointing out that there was no requirement of the Federal Authorities for arrivals from the UK to quarantine (at least not when I travelled).
It ended as a comedy show, when I formally appealed the decision (by snail mail, as the cantonal authorities won't accept e-mail). In return I was told that the decision to quarantine wasn't a decision and therefore couldn't be appealed, but only for information!
I ended up informing the legal eagle who had penned these words of wisdom, that his understanding of the French language was clearly totally different from mine and if wished to communicate with me in future he should use clear, unambiguous and non-contradictory language. Haven't heard back since.
I have the impression of an office run by headless chickens, running in all directions without anyone having the faintest idea of what's going on.
Frankly I've had that impression 'all the time' since the start of the pandemic, particularly with the rule changes, namely a distinct lack of clarity and one department not knowing what another government
We got the exact same message from Kanton Zürich as OP. I just uploaded the PCR cert and left it for now. What was really confusing was nobody at the border checked anything other than passports and Ausweis. It was surprising to get this later! At no point was our tests, covid certificate or Anreise Anmeldung checked at the border. Only got checked by staff at Edinburgh airport who probably didn't have a clue what any of it was or looked like. Overall, really confusing system!
Yes sounds like we are in the exact same situation as I left from Edinburgh airport too. Confusing to say the least! Well as others pointed out I’m guessing it’s an automated message from a previous set of rules. I’m still awaiting for a response from the canton from uploading my pre departure pcr test too. Hopefully should be all fine.
We also flew on Xmas Eve on the Edelweiss flight from Edinburgh to Zürich (perhaps on the same flight?!).. I just got this automated SMS from contact tracing:
Vielen Dank für das Einreichen Ihres Dokumentes, bezüglich Ihrer Einreise in die Schweiz. Wir haben dieses erfolgreich geprüft.
Freundliche Grüsse, Contact Tracing Kanton Zürich