According to the current figures, Ticino has been less affected by the second coronavirus wave than various other cantons. Nevertheless, the government felt compelled to tighten the measures as of Monday, November 9. There is now a ban on playing sports in groups. Children up to the age of 16 and elite athletes (there is a national performance center in Tenero) are exempt. So are you still allowed to go on a bike tour with a few friends in Ticino?

There is no getting through to the cantonal hotline, the line is permanently busy, the cantonal health directorate requires the request in writing and then refuses to answer. That leaves other channels that should know what applies, such as Ticino Turismo. Media spokeswoman Cecilia Brenni gives the all-clear: "It is still permitted to ride mountain bikes in Ticino in groups of five people. Of course, all other protective measures must be observed." Guests from other cantons are also still welcome in Ticino, as the days are particularly beautiful, advertises Brenni.

It should be added that the health authorities generally advise people to avoid non-essential travel. The less people move around, in other words, the fewer different people each individual meets, the less the virus is transmitted. The strong containment of infections in the spring was successful because people stuck to the rules and the majority of mountain bikers were content to stay on their home trails. Nevertheless, it should be said once again: biking in Ticino is not prohibited. This was also confirmed two days after the inquiry by the Corona hotline of the canton of Ticino.