Switzerland does not expect further large-scale relaxations of its coronavirus restrictions until May 26, the government has said, citing the ongoing fragile situation in the country and reopening steps already under way.

The country is now in a so-called protection phase, which will last until all people in particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly have received both doses of vaccines, likely by the end of May, the government said, according to AFP.

“Due to the need to protect at-risk persons who have not yet been vaccinated, the openings as of April 19, and the already fragile epidemiological situation, it will hardly be possible to take further opening steps before May 26,” the government said in a statement.

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