Topline: After taking a laid back approach to the pandemic that has involved no lockdowns like the rest of Europe, Sweden’s daily coronavirus death rate has spiked over two days and has put more pressure on officials to enact tougher restrictions on movement to hinder the virus’ spread.
Unlike other European countries with widespread shelter-in-place orders, Sweden has not enforced a nationwide lockdown and instead aims to isolate and treat confirmed coronavirus cases—with many businesses, gyms, restaurants, bars and schools remaining open. Experts say the Swedish government approach and a lack of testing may be contributing factors in why Sweden has experienced high death rates compared to other countries, with nearly 8% of Swedes confirmed to be infected with coronavirus dying from it, compared to less than 2% and 4% for neighbors Norway and Denmark, respectively. On Thursday, there were nearly 10,000 cases nationwide, with a reported 719 Swedes having been in intensive care. More than 100 Swedes have died per day for two days in a row, according to the Swedish Public Health Agency, bringing the total death count to 782. Statistics show Swedes appear to be practicing social distancing on their own, resulting in drops in public transport ridership and half of Stockholm residents reportedly working from home—but it may not have been enough to slow the virus’ spread. Sweden’s chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell has continuously advocated for laid back measures, saying on Swedish TV Sunday that the pandemic could be defeated by herd immunity, or the indirect protection from a large portion of a population being immune to an infection, or a combination of “immunity and vaccination.” However, critics have argued that with a coronavirus vaccine could be more than a year away, and insufficient evidence that coronavirus patients that recover are immune from becoming infected again, the strategy of relying on herd immunity and vaccinations ineffective.
PeKaatjeAnkeveen, North Holland Netherlands6,334 posts
face it from the possitive view, the air is the cleanest in about 200 years and the criminallityrates are the lowest in decades. Also the most people that are dying are old and ill, so they wouldn't live much longer anyway, while they still cost a lot of money for healthcare. I bet some are even glad to go, especially when the alternative is dementia or parkinson, years of suffering, peeing their own bed and clothes etc. And it is good against overpopulation.
My mother is still capable to do most of the things herself, but I know she won't last 20 years anymore. Of course I would be sad if she dies, but I know she can die any day, can be her heart, cancer, corona or whatever. The day that I have to say the final goodbye is coming closer by the day. How cruel is that for me?
I don't want to say to all the old people worldwide: Drop dead, ASAP. Life is cruel, suffering from all kinds of diseases is even worse. Maybe this virus is helping with some huge problems humanity is facing like climatechange. Older people prefer a warmer house and use more wood or gas to get the house warm during winter.
I know this all might sound cruel and insensitive, I also know, that one day my live will end, and I am okay with that. Remember that the one that does doesn't have sorrow, grief or pain anymore, it's only sad for the ones that left behind. Before it is my time I hope I might finish some things, like some books I'm writing. I would love to be remembered. Also I am teaching children how to play chess, a game of chess helped me through some dark years, and I still love it, and I hope it will help the children I'm teaching in the coming years.
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