In February 2020, the coronavirus reached Switzerland. The number of people becoming seriously ill rose quickly. The Federal Council took measures to protect the population and to support people and businesses suffering the economic consequences of the pandemic. It had to act quickly. Because the Epidemics Act did not offer a statutory basis for all the measures required, the Federal Council enacted emergency legislation, as is permitted by the Federal Constitution in the event of a crisis. However, this type of legislation can only be temporary. In order to continue to be able to take the measures required, the Federal Council and Parliament drew up the COVID-19 Act. Parliament approved the Act in September 2020 and declared it a matter of urgency, which meant that it came into force immediately

The Act grants the Federal Council additional powers to combat the coronavirus pandemic, and above all to mitigate its negative
effects on society and the economy. It covers measures that the Federal Council and Parliament still need to apply in order to manage the pandemic and the economic crisis. In particular, it regulates various forms of financial aid granted to individuals and businesses. The most important of these are payments for short-time work, compensation for loss of income, assistance in cases of hardship, and support for cultural and sports organisations. The Act is subject to a time limit. A vote is to be held because a referendum has been called against the Act.