The ski resorts in Graubünden remain open

Picture: Rinerhorn, Source: Davos.ch

The cantonal government of the canton of Graubünden has once again underlined: The ski resorts remain open! It is not the goal of the government to close the ski resorts despite serious Corona case numbers. Closing the ski resorts when people come to the canton of Graubünden does not solve the problem, says Marcus Caduff, head of the Department of National Economy and Social Affairs. On the ski slopes, people can spread out, so large crowds are more likely to be avoided.

Unlike other cantons, the canton of Graubünden has already taken various measures on 4.12.2020 to reduce the Corona case numbers in its own cantonal territory. At that time, the following measures had been decided until 17.12.2020:

• Meetings and meetings of more than 10 people in private and public spaces are prohibited.
• Events and activities with more than 10 people in public and private spaces are prohibited. Political events and gatherings are excluded. Religious services and funerals may be held with a maximum of 50 people, in strict compliance with the rules of social distance, in accordance with protection concepts.
• Restaurateurs - including those in ski resorts - will remain closed until and including December 17, 2020. Exceptions exist for take-away businesses, home deliveries, canteens and hotel restaurants for hotel guests, among others.
• Stay closed Places of entertainment and leisure such as cinemas, theaters, museums, libraries, club operations, wellness centers, ice sports facilities, etc. Outdoor recreation facilities and wellness facilities for hotel guests are an exception.
• Sports activities in public and private premises with more than 10 people are prohibited. Exceptions are sports activities with children under 16 years and professional sports.
• To public and private schools masks are compulsory on the entire school premises until 23 December 2020. Pupils in kindergartens and elementary school are exempt.

Now these measures have been extended yesterday until 22.12.2020 and the Graubünden government is confident that if the situation remains stable or improves, normal skiing operations will be possible over the holidays.

The policy of the canton of Graubünden is correct. The fault for increasing numbers of cases does not lie with the ski lift operators, but if at all with the skiers who do not follow the Corona rules. If everyone, including the young, adheres to the Corona rules in a disciplined manner, then the numbers should fall and "normal" skiing operations should be possible.

If the Federal Council does not decide something completely new on Friday - many fear a closure of the ski resorts or a lockdown - then we can look forward to relaxing ski vacations around Christmas time. It's not up to the people of Graubünden!