For Geneva, the shutdown of all construction sites located in the Geneva canton was ordered on Wednesday, and will start next Friday. There will be exemptions on a case-by-case basis, for security reasons in particular, or depending on a preponderant public interest after being examined by a tripartite body bringing together trade unions, employers and the cantonal authority.
Employers not respecting these decisions will be liable to fines of up to 300,000 Swiss francs. For Vaud, the decree came into force immediately today at 6 p.m. and until April 19. 150 million will go to the Vaud economy, including 100 million to protect the treasury and 50 million to increase the unemployment fund.
In both cantons, the health and safety standards of the Federal Office of Public Health (social distance of 2 meters on construction sites, vans or refectories; washing hands several times a day; disinfection of premises and equipment ...) were not respected at construction sites.
Small construction sites including less than 5 workers and respecting social distance and disinfection are still possible.
Workers will receive partial unemployment benefits.