By Sarah Careen, Year 12
It’s now been well over two years that the world has been facing the infectious disease; COVID-19, and what a whirlwind it has been. Due to its highly contagious nature and multiple variants, many restrictions and safety measures were required to be implemented across the globe. But after having our lives deterred for so long, it’s safe to assume everyone is itching for a light at the end of the tunnel. Though the restrictions vary with each country, Switzerland has been exploring the possibility of returning a new found normality to our lives once again.
On February 2nd, the country announced the potential easing of restrictions; and last Wednesday, after weeks of contemplation, the Federal Council took the executive decision of doing so, soothing citizens’ eager anticipation. As of Monday February 21st, masks will no longer be required in schools, stores, concerts and any indoor venues. They will only be mandatory in public transport and in healthcare facilities till the end of March, as these are areas that have high transmission rates of COVID. In addition, there will no longer be a requirement to show either COVID certificates or negative tests for restaurants and other indoor venues. This definitely sparked up some hope among the citizens of Switzerland, but also a bit of surprise, as can be quoted from two of LGB’s year 12 students:
“It’s interesting, a little out of the blue, randomly brought up. However I think the students will be happy with it and we’ll see how it turns out” – Desiree Blazier
“A bit too sudden, and perhaps not the right time because we’re at the peak of the pandemic and we have quite a low vaccination rate, so we’re not entirely safe yet. I’m no scientist (do I trust the government, no!), but I’m not entirely confident it’s a good idea.” – Helene Chaligne.
Nonetheless, the lift of restrictions seems appropriate for Switzerland’s current situation, as officials have stated : More than 90% of Switzerland’s population of 8.6 million people have developed a certain immunity to the virus, having either recovered from an infection or been vaccinated.
Moreover, in spite of the rising numbers of omicron contaminations, Switzerland’s hospitals have been able to sustain this surge in cases, without faltering. This indicates that, as long as we proceed with caution and responsibility, it’s possible to reinstate some normalcy to our lives, progressively.
Covid has majorly impacted the environment of school, and this decision comes undoubtedly with some relief to the students. No masks will induce better communication, and overall just the positivity of seeing our peers’ facial expressions once again. In addition, students should start steering away from the isolation of opposing beliefs on vaccinations, allowing for a greater focus on our learning environment and the social aspect of school life.
Nevertheless, it’s important not to diminish the risks of this virus, and to put the protection of ourselves and those around us at the forefront.
Therefore the ultimate question endures: Was this ease of restrictions a good idea and is Switzerland really in a position to lift these mandates?
