The coronavirus and the measures taken by the Federal Council and cantons to combat its spread continue to severely restrict activities in the health and fitness industry. This is hitting both providers and sports enthusiasts hard. But we can only find a way out of the pandemic together.
Cancellation of all corona measures from February 17, 2022!
As part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 that all coronavirus measures in Swiss fitness and health centers will be lifted from Thursday, February 17, 2022. Our previous protection concept will no longer apply from Thursday, February 17, 2022. We would like to take this opportunity to mention that it is also important to maintain the existing safety standards and hygiene precautions in the future in order to continue to offer all customers a safe stay with you.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
The measures and regulations currently in force in the cantons can be found here.
Corona compensation and subsidies
Here you can download the current factsheet on corona compensation and subsidies in German. This factsheet is updated on an ongoing basis and contains information from the national level as well as from all cantons.
Provisions as of December 20, 2021
On Friday, December 17, 2021, the Federal Council announced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that further measures will be introduced in the fitness industry, among others, compared to the regulation from December 6, 2021. swiss active – IG Fitness Switzerland provides here the officially applicable protection concept for the fitness industry, which was drawn up and checked for plausibility in cooperation with the FOPH and will come into force on December 20, 2021.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
The measures and regulations currently in force in the cantons can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Are certificates sufficient to admit people to fitness facilities (where 2G/2G+ applies) and therefore equivalent to a vaccinated or recovered certificate?
Yes, however, such persons must wear a mask even if access to 2G+ is restricted (see explanations on the amendment of 17.12.21 to Art. 3a para. 3 Covid-19 Ordinance Special Situation, which comes into force on 10.01.22 and Art. 32a)
Are these exemption certificates also marked accordingly as "exemption certificates" during the inspection and therefore clearly indicate that someone has a medical certificate and is therefore not vaccinated and not tested?
No.
Provisions as of December 06, 2021
On Friday, December 3, 2021, the Federal Council announced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that further measures will be introduced in the fitness industry compared to the regulation from September 13, 2021. swiss active – IG Fitness Switzerland provides here the officially applicable protection concept for the fitness industry, which was drawn up and checked for plausibility in cooperation with the FOPH and will come into force on December 6, 2021.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
The measures and regulations currently in force in the cantons can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Can a fitness center voluntarily switch to 2G and thus lift the complete mask requirement in the center?
If a fitness center introduces 2G, the mask can be dispensed with throughout the center (including, for example, in the entrance area, in the checkrooms and on the way from the checkroom to the fitness equipment).
If the 3G regulation applies in the fitness center, the mask may only be removed when exercising (especially on the fitness machine). If you are not doing any sporting activity, you must wear a mask.
The contact data must be collected by the fitness operators for both 2G and 3G.
How is the mask and certificate obligation handled for your own employees?
For employees of fitness centers, the respective employer’s regulations apply. The employer must provide adequate protection. In addition, masks are mandatory in the work area, so employees must wear a mask, even if customers in the center do not have to wear a mask under 2G regulations.
An employee who does not have a certificate may NOT remove the mask during training!
Provisions as of September 13, 2021
On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, the Federal Council announced in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that the COVID certificate will be introduced in the fitness industry from September 13, 2021. swiss active – IG Fitness Switzerland provides the officially applicable protection concept for the fitness industry, which was created and checked for plausibility in cooperation with the FOPH and will come into force on September 13, 2021.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Are group courses possible without a Covid certificate?
Group fitness courses in a separate room (separate entrance) with max. 30 persons and a permanent group is allowed without a certificate. These participants and instructors do not have to wear a mask during the course.
Can the Covid certificate be deposited with the fitness operator?
With the customer’s consent, only the validity period of the proof and the verification date are stored. To do this, the customer must be prepared to make this data visible to customer service. The Covid certificate must be fully checked once, after which automatic access counts until the certificate expires. The center is also obliged to record when the person submitted their certificate and which employee carried out the check.
The member is also responsible for being able to present the certificate at any time during subsequent training sessions and to be able to prove his/her identity with suitable proof of identity (with photo).
What happens if a customer can't show their Covid certificate at a fitness center inspection?
If a customer in the center cannot show their certificate directly during a check, either the reception/entrance can give the checker an insight into the customer’s certificate or the customer must provide proof immediately (e.g. cell phone in the checkroom, bag, etc.).
How is it handled with the employees in the center who are in direct contact with customers?
Employees can voluntarily submit the Covid certificate to their employer. If you present the Covid certificate, no further restrictions apply to them. If the employee does not have a Covid certificate or does not wish to present the Covid certificate to the employer, the existing protection and hygiene rules and the obligation to wear a mask apply.
How is it handled with employees in the center who are not in direct contact with customers?
If the employee has no contact with customers, it is up to the operator to decide how the situation is handled. This is comparable to a “normal” office job. However, the Federal Council also recommends a Covid certificate requirement here.
Is a Covid certificate mandatory for personal training?
In the case of personal training outside a fitness center (e.g. in a separate room), no Covid certificate obligation applies for the trainer or the customer. However, if the personal training takes place in a fitness center, a Covid certificate is required.
Do people who have recovered have to show a Covid certificate to enter a fitness center?
People who have recovered need a Covid certificate to be allowed to train in a fitness center. A doctor’s certificate or similar is not sufficient to enter the fitness center.
What about people who are vaccinated but do not have an EU or CH Covid certificate?
Persons who have been fully vaccinated with a vaccine licensed in Switzerland must register with the relevant canton and apply for a CH certificate. So the Pfizer / Moderna vaccines after 2 vaccinations, Johnson after 22 days, after the 1st vaccination. Not recognized are then e.g. UK with AstraZeneca. They have to test… until the UK is also recognized by the EU, then CH takes over.
Do the same rules apply in areas such as wellness or private spas as in group fitness?
No, wellness facilities and the like are subject to mandatory certification without exception.
Is a certificate required for attending therapeutic services?
Many fitness facilities offer therapeutic services (medical massage, MTT, etc.), some of which are also provided by external service providers. According to the ordinance, these offers are exempt from the certificate requirement. Masks are compulsory for these people.
Can a group fitness instructor without a certificate train a group of less than 30 people without a mask?
This is basically the responsibility of the employer. However, it should be noted that if the instructor leads several such groups of 30, it is not a consistent group. It would be irresponsible for this person to lead x number of such groups without a certificate and without a mask. Our recommendation: certificate or mask.
How can we deal with exceptions such as pregnant people or people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons?
People who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons still need a certificate (= tests, which will continue to be paid for). People who have to go to a fitness center for medical reasons are required to wear a mask.
How should a studio react if an external physiotherapy, massage or consultation service is also rented in the studio itself?
As soon as a mixture of customers is created, a permanent mask requirement applies to customers of external systems unless they can present a certificate. This applies to the reception area, the changing rooms and the training area.
Is a foreign Covid certificate sufficient to enter a fitness center?
Persons with a foreign Covid certificate must report to the relevant canton with their certificate and request a Swiss Covid certificate. You can only enter a fitness center with a Swiss Covid certificate.
What is the current handling of foreign certificates?
I was vaccinated abroad. How do I get the Covid certificate?
Do you already have an “EU Digital COVID Certificate” or a certificate compatible with the “EU Digital COVID Certificate”? Then you do not need to apply for a Swiss Covid certificate. These certificates are recognized in Switzerland.
- Comirnaty® / BNT162b2 / Tozinameran (Pfizer/BioNTech)
- Spikevax® / mRNA-1273 / COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna)
- Vaxzevria® / AZD1222 / Covishield™ (AstraZeneca)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
The prerequisite for this is that you live in Switzerland, are staying in Switzerland or intend to enter Switzerland. You must be able to provide sufficient proof of vaccination abroad and of your stay in Switzerland, as well as identification.
Application
You can apply for a Covid certificate online via the National Covid Certificate Application Center. The canton in which you are resident or temporarily staying will then take care of issuing the certificate.
Further information can be found here.
Provisions as of June 26, 2021
Last Wednesday, June 23, 2021, the Federal Council announced further easing measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitness operators are also affected by the announced easing measures. IG Fitness Schweiz is providing the official protection concept for the fitness industry here, which was drawn up and checked for plausibility in collaboration with the FOPH and will come into force on 26 June.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Provisions as of May 31, 2021
Last Wednesday, May 26, 2021, the Federal Council announced further relaxations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitness operators are also affected by the announced easing measures. IG Fitness Schweiz is providing the official protection concept for the fitness industry here, which was drawn up and checked for plausibility in collaboration with the FOPH.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Provisions as of April 19, 2021
From April 19, 2021, fitness operations will be permitted again in compliance with protection concepts. IG Fitness Schweiz is providing the official protection concept for the fitness industry here, which was drawn up and checked for plausibility in collaboration with the FOPH.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
Here you can find the press release of IG Fitness Switzerland on the Federal Council’s decision of April 14, 2021!
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Can group fitness be offered again? What requirements must be observed?
In principle, you are allowed to carry out group fitness with a maximum of 15 people (including instructor) and with a safety distance of 1.5 meters. It is the responsibility of the course instructor to ensure that a distance of 1.5 meters is maintained between individual participants. (e.g. with markings in the room). Another important factor is that the course lessons are spaced out, as the participants are not allowed to meet when changing. A time of 15 minutes between lessons is suggested.
Can endurance training be carried out without a mask?
YES, provided the following points can be complied with (quote from official regulation):
The following applies to indoor sports activities in accordance with Article 6eparagraph 1 letter b number 2 without a face mask:
- An area of at least 25 square meters must be available for the exclusive use of each person or effective barriers must be installed between the individual persons.
- For a sport that does not involve significant physical exertion and does not involve leaving the allocated space, the minimum area is 15 square meters per person.
- In indoor pools, a water surface area of 25 square meters per person must be available.
- No more than 15 people are allowed in one room.
- The room must have effective ventilation.
How do we deal with mask dispensing?
According to information from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), visitors with mask dispensers must be treated in the same way as customers who do not wear masks. In other words, a maximum of 15 people are allowed in a room where training takes place without a mask, and no one is allowed within a radius of 25m2 around the person, which means a distance of at least 5m from person to person.
What conditions apply to children and young people (2001 and younger)?
There are no restrictions on the number of children and young people born in 2001 and later in fitness centers. Please note that this regulation only applies if only this age group is present. Masks are not compulsory for them. However, as soon as adults (born in 2000 and older) train alongside children and young people, the stricter regulations apply.
What applies to adults born in 2000 and older with regard to training in groups?
The following applies to persons born in 2000: For training sessions that take place in groups (e.g. Zumba), there is a limit of 15 people per group. It is conceivable that several groups of up to 15 people (including the leader) may train outdoors (or in sufficiently large halls that allow clear separation of the groups). Distances must be maintained between the groups and there must be no mixing.
Individuals training on equipment are not considered a group; the limit of 15 people does not apply to them.
What applies to adults born in 2000 and older with regard to the capacity limit?
Capacity limits must be observed for training sessions both indoors and in outdoor areas of fitness centers. The formula “10 square meters per person” is used to calculate the maximum number of people present. If a total area of only 30 square meters is available, a minimum area of 6 square meters per person applies when calculating the maximum number of persons present.
What is the regulation regarding masks for adults born in 2000 and older?
If the training takes place outdoors, either a face mask must be worn or the required distance (1.5 meters) must be maintained. Indoors, a face mask must always be worn and the distance must be maintained. There are exceptions to this principle:
- If a face mask cannot be worn, 25 square meters per person must be available for exclusive use (equivalent to 5m distance from person to person, on all sides) or effective barriers must be in place. In the event that the physical exertion is minimal and the space is not left (e.g. yoga, Pilates, back exercises on a mat, but not training on a weight machine…), it is sufficient if 15 square meters per person are available for exclusive use (letter b). This corresponds to a distance of 4 m from person to person on all sides, whereby there is also the alternative of effective barriers.
- If a person is not wearing a mask, there must not be more than 15 people in a room. However, it is possible to separate the rooms in fitness centers in a suitable and effective manner and, for example, to offer equipment in a separate room on which a maximum of 15 people can train without a face mask while complying with the specifications (25 m2/person for exclusive use or effective barriers between people so that a distance of 1.5 meters is sufficient). In other rooms, training can be carried out with a mask in accordance with the normal requirements. In any case, it must be ensured that all rooms have effective ventilation. The individual specifications and modalities for the occupancy of the rooms and the behavior of the persons training must be specifically recorded in protection concepts.
Provisions as of December 22, 2020
The fitness facilities in accordance with the Ordinance of 18.12.2020 of the Federal Council are to be closed from Tuesday, December 22 to January 22. Exceptions:
- Cantons with a favorable epidemiological development can decide to ease restrictions, such as opening restaurants and sports facilities. The decisive factors here are, in particular, a reproduction rate of less than 1 and a 7-day incidence rate that must be below the Swiss average.
- This is described in Art. 7 of the Ordinance (pages 3/4): Art. 7 para. 2 introductory sentence and subparas. b and c, paras. 3-6 – 2 A canton may provide for the opening of restaurants, bars and clubs in accordance with Article 5a and of establishments and businesses in the areas of culture, entertainment, leisure and sport in accordance with Article 5d and extend the opening hours in accordance with Article 5abis if the following conditions are met in the canton concerned:
b. The reproduction number is below 1.00 for at least seven consecutive days; the data published by the FOPH shall be decisive.
c. The last seven values of the seven-day moving average of laboratory-confirmed case numbers are below the Swiss average; the data published by the FOPH are authoritative.
3 It may stipulate that restaurants, bars and clubs may be open until 11.00 p.m. at the latest and until 1.00 a.m. at the latest on the night of December 31 to January 1.
4 If the canton intends to open facilities and establishments or extend the opening hours in accordance with paragraph 2, it shall consult with the neighboring cantons. It shall inform the FOPH of its decision.
5 If the reproduction number is above 1.00 for three consecutive days or if one of the conditions in paragraph 2 letters a and c is no longer met, the canton must immediately cancel the opening of establishments and businesses or the extension of opening hours in accordance with paragraph 2.
6 From 5 January 2021, the value 0.90 shall apply to the reproduction number in paragraph 2 letter b and in paragraph 5.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Provisions as of December 12, 2020
The Federal Council has decided on further measures that will also affect fitness facilities in Switzerland. The measures will apply from December 12, 2020 and are limited until January 22, 2021. All regulations can be found in the following protection concept. The revised protection concept for fitness facilities was developed by the members of IG Fitness Schweiz in collaboration with the FOPH.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
Provisions as of October 29, 2020
At its last meeting on October 28, 2020, the Federal Council determined further measures due to the current situation surrounding COVID-19, which also affect fitness facilities in Switzerland. In general, masks are mandatory for customers and all employees of fitness facilities! Further regulations can be found in the following protection concept. The revised protection concept for fitness facilities was developed by the members of IG Fitness Switzerland in collaboration with the FOPH. You will find the new protection concept below.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
What applies to customers with a mask dispenser?
Customers with a mask dispensation may train on a mask-free endurance machine if they wear a mask on all routes, e.g. from the entrance to the checkroom and from the checkroom to the mask-free machine. Mask-free training only applies on the specially marked endurance equipment. Otherwise they are not allowed to visit the studio.
Do customers with a mask dispenser not have to keep a safe distance when exercising?
Yes, even customers who can present a mask dispensation must be able to ensure the necessary distance of 15m2 in the fitness center. Unfortunately, it is currently not permitted to train closer without a mask.
Provisions as of October 18, 2020
At its extraordinary meeting on October 18, 2020, the Federal Council decided on measures to slow down the further spread of the coronavirus. All current information regarding the obligation to wear masks in fitness facilities etc. can be found in the adapted protection concept.
The current measures and regulations of the FOPH can be found here.
You can find the adapted protection concept for fitness operations here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Provisions as of June 20, 2020
From June 20, 2020, the minimum distance between two people has been reduced from 2 meters to 1.5 meters due to the low number of cases. However, as with the 2-meter rule, the new minimum distance can also be reduced if hygiene masks are worn or partitions are in place. If these protective measures cannot be implemented in the fitness center either, the contact details of the participants must be recorded. This ensures contact tracing in the event of a positive case.
You can find the relaxation of the FOPH’s measures here.
You can find the adapted protection concept here.
The “special situation” will apply from June 19, 2020. This means that the main responsibility for preventing and managing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases lies with the cantons. In the special situation, however, the Federal Council still has the authority to order certain measures listed exhaustively in the law, which normally fall under the responsibility of the cantons, after consulting the cantons themselves. In a special situation, the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) coordinates the federal measures. Implementation remains with the cantons.
You can find more information here.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Provisions as of June 6, 2020
As of June 6, 2020, fitness operations are permitted again in compliance with protection concepts. IG Fitness Schweiz provides the official protection concept for the fitness industry here, which is based on the model concept for training operations from FOSPO.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Which principles for fitness centers apply from June 6, 2020?
The principles based on the document “Framework requirements for sport”, which can be found on the Swiss Olympic website, apply.
- Symptom-free training
- Keep your distance (10m2 training area per person, 2m distance whenever possible)
- Compliance with the FOPH’s hygiene rules
- Presence lists (tracing of close contacts – contact tracing)
- Designation of responsible persons
Which distance rules must now be observed?
A distance of 10m2 training area per person and 2m distance must be maintained.
How many participants are allowed on a course?
Courses of up to 30 people are permitted, provided that social distancing can be maintained.
Do the facilities and checkrooms still need to be cleaned on an extraordinary basis?
The facilities, checkrooms etc. are cleaned in accordance with the normal guidelines. Extraordinary cleaning measures and disinfection are no longer required.
Provisions as of May 11, 2020
To ensure that the fitness industry does not have to remain in lockdown mode, the Federal Council instructed the Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) to develop a concept for easing the measures in the entire area of sport as part of the resolutions of 16 April 2020. The concept should show how sports training in popular and competitive sports can take place again within the framework of the overarching protective measures that are still in place.
IG Fitness Switzerland provides the official protection concept for the fitness industry, which has been approved by Swiss Olympic. This protection concept contains all relevant information for affected sports organizations and organizers, which has been developed in cooperation with the FOSPO, FOPH and SFGV. In accordance with the decision of 29 April 2020, fitness centers can reopen on 11 May 2020 if they present and comply with this protection concept.
You can download the protection concept in German here.
Vous pouvez télécharger ici le concept de protection en français.
Qui potete scaricare il concetto di protezione in italiano.
Frequently asked questions about the protection concept
Can group fitness be offered again? What requirements must be observed?
In principle, you may perform group fitness with a maximum of 5 people (including instructor) and with a safety distance of 2 meters. It is the responsibility of the course instructor to ensure that a distance of 2 meters is maintained between the individual participants. (e.g. with markings in the room). Another important factor is that the course lessons are spaced out, as the participants are not allowed to meet when changing. A time of 30 minutes between lessons is suggested. Floor markings are also required at the entrance to the rooms so that the 2 meter distance can be maintained.
How many square meters would a course room need to have in order for there to be a sufficient distance between two training groups? What is a "sufficiently large distance" between two groups of 5?
- In fact, there is no specific description of the rules. In principle, however, the following applies: 5 people per course room, whereby the FOPH expects a space requirement of at least 10m2 per person and for a group of 5, the course room should have a minimum size of around 80 m2.
- However, if the course room is “very large”, then two groups of five can also train in it. In this case, the FOPH assumes a minimum size of around 150 m2. It is important that the 2m distance is always maintained within the respective group of 5 and that there is a minimum distance of another 2m, i.e. at least 4m (!) between the two groups of 5. In this way, mixing of the two training groups can and must be avoided. (Reason: In the event of a possible corona infection of a person from the respective training group, it must be possible to trace who else was in the training group in order to identify and isolate these persons as well).
- In principle, the FOPH also considers the parameters of room geometry, ventilation and, of course, the form of exercise to be important decision criteria for the implementation of courses with 1 or more groups of 5. For this reason, fitness centers should also include information on the parameters in their own protection concepts so that it can be explained to the inspectors how to avoid mixing groups of 5 and which forms of exercise they may have to do without for the time being because, for example, the people exercising would need a larger radius of movement than their 10 m2.
Does every member have to be asked about their state of health?
Every member must be asked about their state of health before entering the fitness center. This can be done in the form of an interview, but also through a self-evaluation by the members. If one or more symptoms are confirmed by the member, access to the fitness center will not be permitted.
How many people are allowed to train in the training area?
A maximum of 80% of the usable training stations may be present in the training area. Rooms such as the checkroom and reception do not fall under the training area.
Can the wellness area, such as the sauna or bathing and water facilities, reopen?
Currently, facilities may only open for training sessions. The provisions of the corresponding protection concepts apply to all water activities.
These can be found on the Swiss Olympic website.
Can Group Fitness rooms be used as training areas?
Yes, that is allowed. The regulations for the training area then apply.
Is it necessary to ensure that the number of people in fitness is controlled? In other words, check-in and check-out?
Yes. This is easily controlled by a check-in system. The way it works is the same as in the stores, where a check is also made at the entrance on the maximum number of items that can be purchased. number of people.
At what times may the "particularly vulnerable persons" target group train?
If particularly vulnerable people wish, they may train at their own risk during normal training times. However, as the provider, you must make them aware of the risk.
Do I have to make the maximum number of people and the distances visible?
- It is important that each room is visibly labeled with the maximum number of people.
- The distances should be clearly marked in all rooms. (e.g. floor markings)
Are fitness centers with unsupervised opening hours currently allowed to open?
Due to the protection concept for fitness centers, there is no provision requiring permanent on-site supervision. However, it is the responsibility of the fitness centers to ensure that the protective measures are guaranteed and adhered to.
