Two years of pandemic in pictures – how Corona kept Switzerland in suspense – News
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The pandemic is not over yet. But the development of the last few weeks makes us confident that more stable times could dawn. A review in pictures.
Author: Larissa Rhyn and Viviane Stadelmann
All eyes on the Federal Council: It is March 16, 2020 when the state of emergency is declared. The first case was confirmed in Switzerland on February 25.
There is no hesitation: the national borders are being closed to curb the spread of the corona virus.
closed borders
Everyday life comes to a standstill – especially travel. Airplanes on the ground, parked like cars – a symbol of the standstill at the beginning of the corona pandemic.
Empty streets, empty schools, empty shops and empty shelves. The first corona wave is coming quickly and brings one thing above all: uncertainty.
The great emptiness
The age of hamster purchases follows. Long queues, a restricted range, evasive maneuvers at a distance and confusing floor markings: for a few months to come, shopping will be like running the gauntlet.
Age of Panic Buying
While the vast majority is sitting at home during the shutdown, the army is moving in. It is the army’s largest serious operation since World War II.
Applause for the nursing staff – and great unity. For many, life takes place on the balconies of the country.
Shutdown on balconies
But even the first wave has it all. Retirement and nursing homes are particularly hard hit.
Then comes the coronavirus challenge: Federer and other celebrities call for perseverance.
The summer then brings loosening. The popular Mr. Corona – Daniel Koch, former head of the communicable diseases department at the BAG – is retiring. And jump into the Aare in a suit.
Some are getting cocky. And Alain Berset is also optimistic in the summer of 2020 and says at a media conference: “We can Corona.”
Summer 2020 in Switzerland
The second wave is building up. But people are tired of the pandemic. Then Parliament celebrates – without a gap and with serenades on Maurer’s 70th birthday.
While others fight for their lives every day: “I’ve never seen doctors and nurses cry so much in the 30 years of intensive care that I’ve been doing,” says Martin Balmer, Head of Intensive Care Medicine at the Aarau Cantonal Hospital.
Mourning for the deceased – and again there are tough measures. Federal Councilor Ueli Maurer says at a media conference: “If we don’t bring the numbers down and the infections don’t go down, everything is nothing.”
Remembering the Corona dead
Always queuing: For tests. But also for staple foods. The pandemic is exacerbating the precarious situation for those affected by poverty.
A ray of hope before Christmas: the first vaccination.
Exactly one year ago today: The Federal Council predicted the future at a media conference.
Summer 2021 – many are gripped by the desire to travel. people are flying again.
Meanwhile, many young people despair of the measures. Homeschooling and restricted life leaves traces.
The third wave is comparatively weak. The protest of the opponents of the measures is all the stronger. Especially against the Covid certificate.
shaking the foundations of democracy
A referendum brings reassurance: the second yes to the Covid law.
But the Delta variant employs Switzerland. It is clear to health professionals that the only way out is: vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate. But the booster comes late.
And then: Omicron.
With the fifth wave, the case numbers go through the roof. But the burden in the hospitals is bearable. And the number of immunized high. time for confidence.