Latest Swiss News Review on a Friday: Compilation of Today's Headlines
Today's the day, good folks! It's Good Friday, and ain't nobody partyin' in most Swiss cantons – except for Valais and Ticino. On this holy holiday, shops and businesses across 24 cantons are closed, just like on Easter Sunday. So, if you're looking to score some eggs or chocolate bunnies, better check out the other two.
READ MORE: What's open and closed in Switzerland over the Easter weekend?
The Alps ain't messin' around! The Grand-St-Bernard (A21) road's been closed due to avalanches, y'all. The tunnel connecting Valais with Italy's been shut down till they make sure everyone's safe. The Federal Road Office (ASTRA) issued a press release about it, and they're also keeping an eye on the Simplon Pass (A9) since the snow's been wreakin' havoc in Valais.
An avalanche blocked the Toules tunnel on the Grand-St-Bernard road, and the tunnel's been damaged, according to ASTRA. They're still assessing the extent of the damage, but with more avalanches still a risk, there's no reopening date yet.
Hear this, sweet tooths! The Citizens' Assembly, a group of 100 Swiss residents randomly selected, are backing a 'sugar tax' on certain foods and drinks. They're also pushing for higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco, promotin' health literacy, and implementin' a national health law. The Assembly's final report will be handed over to Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider on May 20th.
Listen up, Basel residents! The water around EuroAirport's contaminated with toxic microparticles, makin' it four times the legal limit. Seems like they've been usin' firefighting foam loaded with PFAS, which causes cancer and other illnesses. Approximately 60,000 residents in Saint-Louis, France, are affected. If you got questions, tips, or article ideas about life in Switzerland, hit up news@our website. Stay tuned for more updates!
- The Grand-St-Bernard tunnel, connecting Valais with Italy, which had been shut down due to avalanches, is still closed and ASTRA is yet to announce a reopening date as the tunnel has been damaged, and more avalanches pose a risk.
- In a push for health and wellness, the Citizens' Assembly, a group of 100 Swiss residents, are advocating for a 'sugar tax' on certain foods and drinks, higher taxes on alcohol and tobacco, promoting health literacy, and implementing a national health law.
- Negative health impacts are being reported in Basel, Switzerland, as the water around EuroAirport contains toxic microparticles, four times the legal limit. This contamination is thought to be due to the use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, which causes cancer and other illnesses.
