Times of isolation - closed borders (News 2021, by Michael Buholzer) - Swiss Press Award
Tages-Anzeiger
Michael Buholzer
This hasn’t happened since the war, 75 years ago: Like most countries in Europe, Switzerland closes its borders. This applies to the so-called “green” or open border too. But exactly how is that to be achieved? In March 2020, the authorities are forced to improvise – they erect metal barriers, wire fences or structures made of concrete. But for the main part, red and white plastic tape is used to mark out the previously invisible border everywhere; in Kreuzlingen, Thurgau (12) as well as in Stabio, Ticino. At least it’s open enough for a Ticino woman to chat to her mother in Italy (11). In contrast, the San Pietro di Stabio crossing (13) is completely closed off. And the road to Germany from Wasterkingen in Zurich is blocked by a mound of gravel (10).
