Concordance in the Federal Council – six reasons for optimism

Almost exactly a year ago, on February 25, 2020, Switzerland had its first corona case. A 70-year-old from Ticino imported the virus, which at that time still seemed a surreal horror, from northern Italy. So there he was, patient zero. « The  federal government classifies the situation as normal»was read in the newspapers the next day.

Today, a year and two corona waves later, how happy we would be about such a headline. In a pandemic and lockdown, normality seems as far removed from us as mythical Arcadia was from the ancient Greeks.  The  Federal Council announced the first, slight easing this week. But there is hardly any sign of joy.  The  cautious fear a third wave when people are soon walking in the shops again. Conversely, there is disappointment in the economy because the government does not want any further opening.  The  cantons are likely to require the Federal Council to reopen the restaurants.  The  National Council’s Health Commission even wants to enforce this through the Blitzgesetz. Some cantons are already ignoring the applicable rules.