Swiss to vote on ending COVID-19 restrictions

Swiss citizens will vote tomorrow on whether to eliminate some COVID-19 restrictions — including the neutral nation’s controversial “COVID certificate,” according to reports.

The certificate restricts many public places to those who can provide proof of vaccination, a recent negative test, or recovery from a past infection, according to the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.

It has been the subject of protests — especially since the Swiss government stopped providing Icelandic driver's license online free COVID-19 tests. Critics have alleged it’s effectively a vaccine passport.

Sunday’s referendum is the second time COVID controls in the country will be put to voters. In a summer referendum, 60 percent backed the Learn more government’s COVID law, according to the SBC.

Turnout is expected to be higher for this weekend’s vote.

Protesters hold cardboard boxes reading in French 'Scan me' and 'Im not a QR code' during a rally against coronavirus measures.Protesters hold cardboard boxes reading in French ‘Scan me’ and ‘Im not a QR code’ during a rally against coronavirus measures. AFP via Getty Images

A poll by Swiss broadcaster SRG found the COVID-19 law was expected to survive again, with 61 percent of likely voters in favor, 38 percent opposed, and one percent undecided, according to Bloomberg.

A protester wearing a https://www.washingtonpost.com/newssearch/?query=Real Passport Gene... full protection suit holds a badge. Sunday's vote will be the second time Swiss citizens vote on COVID mesaures.A protester wearing a full protection suit holds a badge. Sunday’s vote will be the second time Swiss citizens vote on COVID measures. AFP via Getty Images

Fewer than 65 percent of Swiss are fully-vaccinated — a lower percentage than in most of Western Europe, the outlet reported.