Unlike its Nordic neighbors and much of Europe, Sweden did not impose a wide-ranging lockdown during the coronavirus times.. The government did introduce some legislation and make strong recommendations for its citizens to stay at home wherever possible. However, Swedish schools, gyms, bars and shops have mostly remained open throughout the crisis.
The approach was branded soft by many news outlets, as images of Swedes enjoying drinks in the sunshine on outdoor restaurant terraces spread around the world. Sweden’s failure to impose a stricter lockdown was publicly criticized by a group of Swedish scientists. Even President Trump weighed in on the debate, claiming Sweden was “paying heavily” for its decision not to introduce a lockdown.
Sweden has been criticized around the globe for its handling of the coronavirus crisis. But the impression that Sweden is operating under “business as usual” conditions is inaccurate, according to Lofven.
“Life is not carrying on as normal in Sweden. It is not business as usual.”
Those were the words of Swedish prime minister Stefan Lofven in an apparent attack on international media during a press conference in Stockholm today.
To date, Sweden has recorded 3,646 deaths from COVID-19, significantly higher than the rest of the Nordic region combined. On a per-capita basis, that’s more than the United States, but less than Spain, Italy, the U.K. and France. Sweden has also come under fire for the relatively high proportion of deaths in elderly care homes.
Measures to continue, but cooperation needed
Despite the heavy criticism, Lofven believes the measures are correct and they will be in place for some time to come: “This fight against COVID-19 is a marathon and the measures have therefore been chosen because we strongly believe they are viable for the long haul.”
Lofven went on to say that better cooperation was needed as other countries start to relax their restrictions: “Strong EU cooperation is key now to fighting the crisis, to handling the health issues and the economic consequences. The global response also needs to be stronger.”
Sweden’s Scandinavian neighbors Norway and Denmark have announced timetables for the lifting of most of their restrictions. However, border restrictions remain in place for the time being. Norway has extended its border closure to most non-resident foreigners until August 20, but suggested that borders could open to Nordic citizens earlier.