Sweden changes course from maverick pandemic response
The Swedish approach to the coronavirus pandemic, which has stood in stark contrast to its fellow Nordic nations, appears to be failing.
Sweden initially eschewed lockdowns as a measure to limit spread of the virus and instead opted for voluntary steps, which some interpreted as an attempt to achieve herd immunity, although that was never the official policy goal.
The country of 10 million certainly hasn't managed that, as its leading epidemiologist acknowledged. “We see no signs of immunity in the population that are slowing down the infection right now,” Anders Tegnell said Tuesday in the capital city of Stockholm.
Bloomberg reported that a recent study showed Sweden ranked among the top European countries for relative COVID mortality and infection rates. With daily cases surging past the 7,000 mark, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has banned public gatherings of more than eight people and alcohol sales past 10 p.m.
