Gatherings of more than 1,000 people will be allowed in Switzerland from today, as part of the government's strategy to ease restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Although cases of the virus are rising, the Swiss government has said sporting and cultural events should be allowed to go ahead, as long as strict hygiene and distancing rules are followed.
Since July, cases of Covid-19 have been steadily rising in Switzerland – not nearly as fast as in France or Spain, but fast enough for some Swiss regions to order mask wearing in shops and for others to recruit more contact tracers.
But the government is sticking with its advice that mass gatherings can go ahead for events such as football and ice hockey matches, concerts and exhibitions. The rules are strict: stadiums can only be two-thirds full and spectators must wear masks and be seated.
Local health authorities can ban events if they think the risk is too great. Some members of Switzerland's own Covid-19 task force have advised against this relaxation - but, after months of restrictions, the government argues, the people and the economy need it.