A key route between Switzerland and Italy is closed due to avalanche; a sales tax on sugary foods and drinks is being sought; and other news in our Friday roundup.

Today, Good Friday, is a public holiday in most of Switzerland — except in Valais and Ticino.

In the other 24 cantons, however, the majority of businesses and shops are closed, the same as on Easter Sunday:

READ ALSO: What’s open and closed in Switzerland over Easter weekend? 

Authorities close the Grand-St-Bernard road due to avalanches

In the aftermath of an avalanche which occurred on the Grand-St-Bernard (A21) road on Thursday, the tunnel  connecting canton Valais with Italy will be closed to all traffic until the damage has been assessed and user safety guaranteed.

“The closure of this tunnel temporarily interrupts the connection with Italy,” the Federal Road Office (ASTRA) said in a press release, adding that another route toward that country, the Simplon Pass (A9), is also closed. 

During the heavy snowfall, which affected the entire canton of Valais, an avalanche was triggered in the Toules tunnel on the Grand-St-Bernard road, which is located in front of the entrance to the Grand-St-Bernard tunnel.

“Initial investigations have shown that the tunnel shows some damage. This damage must be assessed further,” according to ASTRA.

Due to the remaining risk of avalanches in the area, however, the tunnel will remain closed until further notice.

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The Citizens’ Assembly seeks to impose ‘sugar tax’ on certain foods and beverages

The Citizens’ Assembly — 100 people selected at random from across Switzerland to reflect the country’s linguistic, regional, and demographic diversity — support the introduction of taxes on sugary foods and drinks. 

This measure is one of six health-promoting reforms adopted by the Assembly.

The proposals “reflect the reforms that the population considers most urgent to promote health and, in the long term, reduce healthcare costs,” the Citizens’ Assembly announced .

This body also wants to increase existing taxes on alcohol and tobacco and aims to “strengthen health literacy at all stages of life,” implement a national health law, as well as develop national information campaigns on health issues.

The assembly’s final report will be submitted to the Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider on May 20th.

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Toxic foam found in drinking water at, and near, the EuroAirport

The drinking water around Basel’s airport is heavily contaminated — four times the legal limit — with toxic microparticles.

The reason is said to be a PFAS-containing firefighting foam used in training exercises at the airport.

Around 60,000 residents of Saint-Louis, France, where the airport is located close to the Swiss border, are said to be affected by this chemical, known to cause cancer and other illnesses.

If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch