![COVID-19 Act](https://cdn.slatesource.com/f/8/0/f8010995-03e7-47c1-a78b-708acc44a0b9.webp) # COVID-19 Act - [Made in Slatesource](https://slatesource.com/@steph/covid-19-act) - By [Steph](https://slatesource.com/@steph) - Created on Aug 13, 2026 ## COVID-19 Act SR 818.102 — Federal Act of 25 September 2020 on the Statutory Principles for Federal Council Ordinances on Combating the COVID-19 Epidemic (COVID-19 Act). [fedlex.data.admin.ch](https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/711?utm_source=slatesource) English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only, has no legal force and may not be relied on in legal proceedings. English consolidation of 1 July 2024, which is also the date of the current binding text. [fedlex.data.admin.ch](https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/711?utm_source=slatesource) ## Preamble The Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation, on the basis of Articles 68 paragraph 1, 69 paragraph 2, 92, 93, 101 paragraph 2, 102, 113, 114 paragraph 1, 117 paragraph 1, 118 paragraph 2 letter b, 121 paragraph 1, 122, 123 and 133 of the Federal Constitution,and having considered the Federal Council dispatch dated 12 August 2020, decrees: SR 101 BBl 2020 6563 ## Art. 1 Subject matter and principles 1 This Act regulates special powers of the Federal Council to combat the COVID-19 epidemic and to respond to the effects of the measures to combat the disease on society, the economy and the public sector. 2 The Federal Council shall use these powers only to the extent that they are required to respond to the COVID-19 epidemic. In particular, it shall not use these powers if the same objective can be achieved using regular or emergency legislative procedures. 2bis The Federal Council shall be guided by the principles of subsidiarity, efficacy and proportionality. It shall aim for the shortest and least severe restriction of economic and social life possible, by ensuring that the Confederation and the cantons exhaust all the options provided by precautionary measures, testing and vaccination strategies and contact tracing beforehand. 3 It shall consult the cantonal governments and the umbrella organisations for the social partners when drawing up measures that relate to their responsibi Art. 1 — Applies until 31 Dec. 2031 (Art. 21 para. 6). Para. 2bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines) (AS 2020 5821; BBl 2020 8819). Amended by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021 extended to 31 Dec. 2031 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 3; BBl 2021 285, 2515). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA ## Art. 1a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 285, 2515). ## Art. 2 In force until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 3 1 and 2 … 3 … 4 ... 4bis … 4ter … 5 and 6 ... 6bis ... 7 ... Art. 3 — In force until 31 Dec. 2022, with the exception of para. 7 let. d, para. 1 and 2 let. a–g extended to 30 June 2024 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; 2022 817 No II; BBl 2021 2515; 2022 1549). Para. 3 — Amended by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 2022, in force from 1. Jan. 2023 until 30 June 2024 (AS 2022 817; BBl 2022 1549). Para. 4bis — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). Amended by No I of the FA of 16 Dec. 2022, in force from 1 Jan. 2023 until 30 June 2024 (A ## Art. 3a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force since 20 March 2021 until 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2, BBl 2021 285, 2515). ## Art. 3b Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 285, 2515). ## Art. 4 1 … 2–4 ... Art. 4 — In force until 31 Dec. 2022, with the exception of para. 1 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). Para. 1 — Amended by no I of the FA of 16 Dec. 2022, in force from 1. Jan. 2023 until 30 June 2024 (AS 2022 817; BBl 2022 1549). ## Art. 4a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 285, 2515). ## Art. 5 and 6 In force until 31 Dec. 2022, extended to 30 June 2024 (AS 2021 878 no II para. 2; 2022 817 No II; BBl 2021 2515; 2022 1549). ## Art. 6a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2022, extended to 30 June 2024 (AS 2021 153; 2022 817 No II; BBl 2021 285; 2022 1549). Correction by the FA Drafting Committee dated 25 Aug. 2021, published 2 Sept. 2021 (AS 2021 527). ## Art. 7 In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2), let. b until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 8 Art. 8 applies until the provisions on the conduct of general meetings in the Amendment of 19 June 2020 to the Swiss Code of Obligations (Company Law) comes into force, but at the latest until 31 Dec. 2023 (AS 2021 354). Art. 699ff of the Code of Obligations came into force on 1 Jan. 2023 (see AS 2022 109). ## Art. 8a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021 (AS 2021 153; BBl 2021 285). ## Art. 9 Insolvency measures The Federal Council may, insofar as it may be required in order to prevent mass bankruptcies and to stabilise the Swiss economy and society, issue provisions that derogate from the Federal Act of 11 April 1889 on Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy (DEBA) and from the Swiss Code of Obligations on: \[tab\] a. and b. ... c. the obligations to report in the case of a loss of capital and over-indebtedness. SR 281.1 SR 220 let. tab — In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2). let. c — Applies until 31 Dec. 2031 (Art. 21 para. 8). ## Art. 10 In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2). ## Art. 11 In force until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 11a Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 30 April 2022, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 285, 2515). Correction by the FA Drafting Committee dated 25 Aug. 2021, published 2 Sept. 2021 (AS 2021 527). ## Art. 11b Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force from 18 Dec. 2021 until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 12 In force until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 12a Hardship measures for businesses: Personal data and information 1 The responsible federal and cantonal offices, the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) and the cantonal audit authorities may process and disclose to each other personal data, including data about administrative or criminal proceedings and sanctions, and information required to administer, supervise and process the financial assistance under Article 12 and to prevent, combat and prosecute abuse. In this context, the SFAO may systematically use OASI numbers pursuant to Article 50c of the Federal Act of 20 December 1946 on Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance. 2 The following entities and persons are obliged to provide the competent cantonal offices, the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and third parties designated by SECO on request with the personal data and information that they require to administer, supervise and process the financial assistance under Article 12 and to prevent, combat and prosecute abuse: a. the competent federal and cantonal public offices; b. the businesse Art. 12a — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force from 19 Dec. 2020 to 31 Dec. 2031 (AS 2020 5821; BBl 2020 8819). Para. 1 — SR 831.10 Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force from 18 Dec. 2021 until 31 Dec. 2031 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 12b Measures in the sports sector: Non-repayable contributions to clubs playing professional and semi-professional team sports 1–4 ... 5 ... 6 and 7 ... 8 If the conditions specified in paragraph 6 letter a or d or the duty in the first sentence of paragraph 7 are not complied with, the contributions may be reclaimed in accordance with the Subsidies Act of 5 October 1990. If the conditions specified in paragraph 6 letter b or c are not complied with, the club concerned must repay the contributions that exceed 50 per cent of the lost ticket revenues in accordance with paragraph 4. 9 ... Art. 12b — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force from 19 Dec. 2020 to 31 Dec. 2021, para. 1–4, 6 and 7 extended to 30 June 2022 (AS 2020 5821; 2021 878 No II para. 1; BBl 2020 8819; 2021 2515). Para. 5 — Repealed by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), with effect from 1 Jan 2021 (AS 2021 153; BBl 2021 285). Para. 8 — SR 616.1 Para ## Art. 13 Amended by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force from 19 Dec. 2020 to 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 30 June 2022 (AS 2020 5821; 2021 878 No II para. 1; BBl 2020 8819; 2021 2515). ## Art. 14 In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2). ## Art. 15 Applies until 31 Dec. 2022 (Art. 21 para. 11). ## Art. 16 In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2). ## Art. 17 Measures relating to unemployment insurance 1 The Federal Council may issue provisions in derogation from the Unemployment Insurance Act of 25 June 1982 (UIA) on: a. … b. … c. … d. ... e. ... f. and g. ... h. ... 2 and 3 … Para. 1 — SR 837.0 Para. 1 let. a — Applies until 31 Dec. 2023 (Art. 21 para. 7). Para. 1 let. b — Amended by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force from 1 Sept. 2020 to 31 Dec. 2023 (AS 2020 5821; BBl 2020 8819). Para. 1 let. c — Applies until 31 Dec. 2023 (Art. 21 para. 7). Para. 1 let. d — In force until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 2515). Para. 1 let. e — In force until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 ## Art. 17a Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force from 1 Dec. 2020 to 31 Dec. 2021, extended to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2020 5821; 2021 153, 354, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2020 8819; 2021 285, 1093, 2515). Correction by the FA Drafting Committee dated 25 Aug. 2021, published 2 Sept. 2021 (AS 2021 527). ## Art. 17b Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events) (AS 2021 153; BBl 2021 285). Amended by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force from 18 Dec. 2021 until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 17c Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153; BBl 2021 285). ## Art. 17d Inserted by No I of the FA of 19 March 2021 (Hardship Cases, Unemployment Insurance, Childcare, Creative Artists, Events), in force from 20 March 2021 to 31 Dec. 2021, extendet till 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 153, 878 No II para. 2; BBl 2021 285, 2515). ## Art. 18 In force until 31 Dec. 2021 (Art. 21 para. 2). ## Art. 19 Implementation 1 The Federal Council shall regulate the implementation of the measures under this Act. 2 The Federal Council shall regulate the accounting, management and implementation of cantonal claims to federal contributions towards hardship measures for the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 in accordance with Article 12. Art. 19 — In force until 31 Dec. 2031 (AS 2021 878 No II para. 3; BBl 2021 2515). Para. 2 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force from 18 Dec. 2021 until 31 Dec. 2031 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 19a Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 2021, in force from 18 Dec. 2021 until 31 Dec. 2022 (AS 2021 878; BBl 2021 2515). ## Art. 20 Amendment of other legislation ... The amendments may be consulted under AS 2020 3835. ## Art. 21 Referendum, commencement and duration 1 This Act is declared to be urgent (Art. 165 para. 1 Federal Constitution). It is subject to an optional referendum (Art. 141 para. 1 let. b BV). 2 It comes into force subject to the reservation of paragraph 3 on 26 September 2020 and applies subject to the reservation of paragraphs 4 and 5 until 31 December 2021. 3 Article 15 comes into force with retrospective effect on 17 September 2020. 4 Articles 1 and 17 letters a–c apply until 31 December 2022. 5 Article 15 applies until 30 June 2021. 6 The term of application of Article 1 pursuant to paragraph 4 is extended until 31 December 2031. 7 The term of application of Article 17 letters a and c pursuant to paragraph 4 is extended until 31 December 2023. 8 The term of application of Article 9 letter c is extended until 31 December 2031. 9 In derogation from paragraph 2, Article 17 letter e comes into force with retrospective effect on 1 September 2020 and applies until 31 December 2021. 10 The term of application of Article 15 in accord Para. 6 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force since 19 Dec. 2020 (AS 2020 5821; 2021 924; BBl 2020 8819). Para. 7 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment Insurance, Fixed Penalty Fines), in force since 19 Dec. 2020 (AS 2020 5821; 2021 924; BBl 2020 8819). Para. 8 — Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 Dec. 2020 (Culture. Hardship Cases. Sport, Unemployment [Official text on Fedlex — consolidation of 1 July 2024](https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/filestore/fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/cc/2020/711/20240701/en/html/fedlex-data-admin-ch-eli-cc-2020-711-20240701-en-html-4.html?utm_source=slatesource)