A light bulb that jumps, it happens. Even in the days of the coronavirus. But can we still buy them at the local supermarket? At Coop Caroline, in Lausanne, the section where it is found is barred with a ribbon which prevents access. The same goes for several stalls usually offering toys, suitcases, and even tea towels and laundry bins. Bulbs, however, can be purchased elsewhere, because in this area, there are almost as many practices as stores.
On March 13, the Federal Council imposed the closure of all public establishments, with the exception of stores selling food or everyday consumer goods. All the businesses deemed essential are not, however, housed in the same boat. The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) specifies that supermarkets must close the shelves that do not sell “everyday” products, a rule that does not apply to small stores, for whom separate products on their shelves would be too much work.
No “blacklist”
It remains to be seen, exactly, what are staple foods. “From the point of view of the Migros regional cooperatives, we are in the process of clarifying the situation and establishing at least basic criteria which respect the wishes of the cantonal and regional authorities,” said Tristan Cerf, spokesperson for the retailer. Naturally, this list of products will vary slightly depending on the size of the store. ” While he believes that Migros branches have adapted quickly, he concedes that adjustment time was necessary: “From one place to another, we observed for example that the requirements and interpretations of the police could vary on what should or should not be sold over the counter. ”
On the side of the OFSP, we are referring for the moment to an explanatory document which specifies how to apply the decisions of the government. It turns out that everyday consumer goods include, for example, press articles, animal food, tobacco, hygiene products and stationery. On the other hand, for the departments selling flowers, clothes and toys, the rules are clear: they must close.
As for alcohol, while it is in the sights of the authorities in other countries (read the box), its sale remains authorized in Switzerland. And if it may have run out in some stores, the explanation is elsewhere. “We continue to deliver alcoholic beverages,” confirms Thomas Kaderli, spokesperson at Denner. However, to keep up with the huge demand of the past few days, logistics centers have sometimes had to focus on basic necessities. However, the situation is starting to stabilize. ”
In the absence of comprehensive directives concerning authorized and unauthorized foodstuffs, the disparities are nonetheless evident on the ground. For example, while Sun Store pharmacies have blocked access to their cosmetics and perfumery departments for several days already, it is still possible to buy makeup in certain supermarkets.
Unions keep watch
The Unia union is particularly critical. “With the closure of other businesses, the demand for products like cosmetics and hair color is exploding. It becomes call products, “analyzes Giorgio Mancuso. For the union secretary, the equation is simple: “The fewer open shelves, the fewer employees are exposed.”
To verify that the protection and distancing measures are applied, Unia conducts checks and does not hesitate to report the recalcitrant signs to the authorities. “We start by alerting the manager, then the management, but some stores are waiting for police intervention to close their non-essential departments,” said Giorgio Mancuso, union secretary.
In supermarkets, however, the perfect balance between protecting employees and the needs of the population may be difficult to find. “Certain products that are not essential today could become important if the epidemic continues,” says Tristan Cerf of Migros. This is the case, for example, for people who need telework supplies or those who cannot order their clothes online. “
Created: 27.03.2020, 06:41
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