Geneva [Switzerland], February 2 (ANI/Sputnik): Switzerland believes that the coronavirus will soon become endemic in the country and is therefore preparing to lift some restrictions starting Thursday, the government said.

"There are increasing signs that the acute crisis will soon be over and the endemic phase could begin," the Federal Council said in a statement.

Also Read | UK's Embattled PM Boris Johnson Seeks Reset With Major Economic Plan.

Starting Thursday, the authorities will lift mandatory quarantine for contacts of COVID-19 patients, as well as a requirement for remote working.

The authorities will decide on lifting the rest of the measures on February 16, either all at once or in two steps.

Also Read | COVID-19 Death Toll in US Reaches Highest Level, Says Report.

The council also noted a positive trend in hospitals, with a lower workload despite still-high COVID-19 incidence rates.

To date, Switzerland has confirmed over 2 million COVID-19 cases and more than 12,000 related fatalities. About 70% of the Swiss population have been vaccinated at least once, over 68% have been fully vaccinated, and more than 39% have received booster shots. (ANI/Sputnik)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)