Covid: Switzerland opts to keep restrictions in place in referendum vote

In a referendum, Swiss citizens have voted to retain Covid measures, sticking with vaccine passports.

The jab passports only allow those that have been vaccinated, recovered or tested negative to attend large scale events.

62 per cent of voters supported the legislation which is already in place.

The referendum came on the same day that the first suspected case of the Omicron variant in the country was registered.

The controversial poll, which was met by widespread protest, offers a rare insight into public opinion on coronavirus measures in Europe.

Switzerland's 'Covid-19 law,' came as the country - like many other nations in Europe - faces a steep rise in cases.

However, the Swiss government is yet to respond with new restrictions, unlike many other European nations.

Alain Berset swiss Health Minister said the results of the vote mean authorities 'still have the necessary instruments to manage the crisis, and we can, if necessary, adjust the instruments to developments.'

Turnout for the vote was 65.7 per cent, which is unusually high for a country that holds multiple referendums per year.