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The situation is delicate for the Federal Council. The number of cases is falling. Far from being as fast as we once strived, but they are constantly falling. That’s why the pressure from business and politics to relax or at least open up prospects increases every day. On the other hand, there is the growth of the most contagious virus variants. A growth that, according to the scenario of the scientific working group, could cause the number of cases to rise again from March.
And how does the Federal Council react? With a decision that in very unusual moments almost seems like a normal decision of the Federal Council. One that doesn’t really excite anyone, disappoints some, but may find it good for many. The Federal Council is giving in to easing the pressure and rejecting the highest demands. In ordinary times, one would speak of moderate dissatisfaction.
A hopeful prospect
With the “cautious initial step,” as he calls it, the Federal Council is giving the tired population a hopeful outlook. And by the calculation, it remains willing to continue to adhere to applicable measures. The Federal Council, as Health Minister Berset said today, is basically very satisfied with the Corona discipline.
However, to keep Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer as committed as possible, the Federal Council also takes risks. The first easing, if definitively confirmed within a week, would come into effect at a time when the influence of the most contagious variants is still not clearer than it is today. Also, no one can really predict the effects of the most important step, the opening of all stores. The closure in January did not result in a large reduction in the number of cases, say those who want to reopen stores. Skeptical voices counter this: Decreased mobility due to store closures may have helped mitigate the influence of virus mutations.
However, the Federal Council has installed safeguards for the next steps starting in April. Openings would only be possible if certain values are not exceeded. You want to wait at least a month from one step to the next. In this way, the effect of loosening can be better evaluated, unlike spring, when the loosening intervals were shortened more and more. And: regional openings are not planned for cantons with a better epidemiological situation. Unlike December, when restaurants in French-speaking Switzerland were allowed to stay open. And a real pub tourism developed between the regions. With these decisions, the Federal Council has shown that it has learned from its own mistakes.
A Federal Councilor who admits mistakes that he does not play the mother and father of the country. A Federal Council that tries to balance the different interests. And he admits that it can also go wrong. A very ordinary federal councilor. After all, something normal in these unusual times.
