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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.
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.
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Health Minister Alain Berset answers questions after the media conference.
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There is no hesitation: the national borders are being closed to curb the spread of the corona virus.
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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.
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Grounded Swiss and Edelweiss aircraft at the military airfield in Dübendorf, April 21, 2020.
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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.
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The Federal Council deploys most of the troops that are available within hours.
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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.
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Coffin preparation workshop of the Pompes Funebres Generales Edmond Pittet in Lausanne, April 2020.
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Then comes the coronavirus challenge: Federer and other celebrities call for perseverance.
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Federer: “We just have to make sure that we take it seriously, incredibly seriously even”
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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.
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«First day of retirement. enjoy the summer.” posts Mr. Corona in June 2020.
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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.
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Disciplined population, singing politicians: Many reacted angrily.
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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.
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The health workers are on the attack.
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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.
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People in need waiting for the Solid-ere organization to distribute food in Lausanne.
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A ray of hope before Christmas: the first vaccination.
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A woman over 90 years old is the first person in the canton of Lucerne and one of the first people in Switzerland to be vaccinated against Corona with the vaccine from Pfizer Biontech (December 23, 2020)
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Exactly one year ago today: The Federal Council predicted the future at a media conference.
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“Where will we be in Switzerland in a year’s time in terms of the pandemic?” Berset: “I at least on a terrace with a beer.” Parmelin: «The same for me, but with a glass of white wine.» (17.2.21)
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Summer 2021 – many are gripped by the desire to travel. people are flying again.
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Large crowds at Zurich Airport.
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Meanwhile, many young people despair of the measures. Homeschooling and restricted life leaves traces.
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The number of children and young people with mental health problems increased in 2021 compared to the first year of the pandemic.
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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.
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The Swiss electorate accepted the Covid law in November 2021 with 62 percent.
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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.
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With the delta variant comes the 4th wave.
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And then: Omicron.
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Tanja Stadler, Taskforce President: “We assume that Omikron will determine the course of infection in 2022”
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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.
The measures fall
