The Swiss government officially declared the end of the pandemic by February 17, 2022. Certificates are no longer needed for any activity (except for international travel). For the moment masks are only mandatory in health institutions and for using public transport. Home office is not necessary any more.

These are big and bold steps! Omicron caused the 5th pandemic wave with a huge number of new infections but on the whole a lot milder cases. The new wave is clearly receding now and hospitals are certainly not overwhelmed at all.

The next few months will hopefully be a return life as it used to be. Many rejoice while others are still a bit uncertain. The hope is that this was a unique event we can look back to as part of humanity’s shared history.