Planned demonstrations, against ongoing COVID-19
mitigation measures are scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2020
from 1:00 PM at the Bundesplatz. It is possible that other unplanned
demonstrations also related to the ongoing COVID-19 measures could form at the
Bahnofplatz and occur at the same time at the Bundesplatz, resulting in
altercations between the two groups and the police.
As with all such gatherings,
even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
escalate into violence. You should avoid the area mentioned above and check
local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Actions
to take:
·
Exercise caution
·
Stay alert in public places, including schools, hospitals, churches,
tourist
locations,
and transportation hubs
·
Be aware of your surroundings
·
Keep a low profile
·
Monitor local media:
o
https://www.bernerzeitung.ch/
(German)
o
www.swissinfo.ch (English)
o
www.20min.ch
(German, French, Italian)
·
Maintain social distancing, follow hygiene requirements, and follow the Swiss
crowd
limitation requirements
·
Avoid groups that are not following the security requirements and/or local laws
·
Review your personal security plans
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Bern, Switzerland
031 357 70 11 (dialing within Switzerland)
+41 31 357 70 11 (dialing from overseas)
BernACS@state.gov
State
Department – Bureau of Consular
Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada)
+1-202-501-4444 (from other countries)
Swiss Federal Office of Public Health Hotline
+41 58 463 00 00 (staffed 24 hours in German, French, Italian and English)
Switzerland
Country Specific Information
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Get Alertswiss, a
mobile app by the Federal Office for Civil Protection, to help you plan for and
stay safe in an emergency while in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
