Although life in Sweden is more quiet than normal, life is continuing with relative normality. There are almost no internal travel or movement restrictions and the vast majority of businesses remain open for business. The Scandinavian country has taken a vastly different approach to tackle the novel Coronavirus than many of its European peers.
Many tourist attractions have remained open and with Cherry Blossom season approaching, locals can be seen casually strolling through Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden).
People visit the cherry blossoms trees at Kungstradgarden in Stockholm on April 1, 2020, during the … [+]
Sweden has taken an early approach to tackle COVID-19 similar to that seen in Taiwan and Hong Kong. There are no enforced lockdowns, the economy remains open, and citizens are free to travel and enjoy the attractions that do remain open.
The country has implemented what it calls “common sense’ measures, that prevent large gathering of over 50 people, but most importantly, aims to protect the elderly and anyone with weak immune systems of pre-existing medical conditions. The elderly and vulnerable have been told to stay at home.
The latest data from the Swedish Public Health Agency shows that there are 6,078 recorded COVID-19 cases and 333 deaths in Sweden.
Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company Ericsson shareholders sit far apart … [+]
Sweden’s liberal approach has meant that the country has not closed its borders, and many parks and schools and restaurants remain open, with limited restrictions on travel movements.
Anders Tegnell, Sweden’s Chief Epidemiologist stated that although Swedens approach to tackle the spread of the virus was different to many other countries, the aim was the same. In a televised segment on CNBC Tegnell said; “My view is that basically all European countries are trying to do the same thing. We’re trying to slow down the spread as much as possible to keep healthcare and society working, and we have shown some different methods to slow down the spread.”
The Chief Epidemiologist continued to say that social distancing was needed and that it was working “relatively well” in Sweden.
The nation wants to minimise disruption to daily life, however with the number of deaths rising, some have called for the government to alter its path and impose travel and movement restrictions.
Cecilia Soderberg-Naucler, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis at the Karolinska Institute said: “We don’t have a choice, we have to close Stockholm right now,” in a Reuters report after 2,300 academics signed an open letter to the Swedish government encouraging an altering of course.
Sweden has remained focussed on isolating the sick and elderly and ensuring that business and the economy continues with a degree of relative normality.
A picture taken on April 1, 2020 shows people on Queens street in Stockholm, amid the novel … [+]
In the Reuters report, Sweden’s Chief Epidemiologist stated that “It is important to have a policy that can be sustained over a longer period, meaning staying home if you are sick, which is our message. Locking people up at home won’t work in the longer term. Sooner or later people are going to go out anyway.”
The country had initially suspended gatherings of more than 500 people, however, that number has now been reduced to 50. Stockholm remains open, as do public spaces and domestic travel. Train services are operating on a reduced schedule but locals continue to roam around what would normally be bustling tourist sites such as Gamla Stan in Old Town Stockholm.
Many museums have now closed in the capital with the Vasa Museum shuttering its doors until further notice from March 20, and the Royal Djurgården states that it is closed on weekdays.
The Skansen Museum, which is the world’s oldest open-air museum states that they remain open and are following public health guidelines.
Sweden is of the opinion that their country, healthcare system and economy will come out of the Coronavirus crisis with their economy largely intact.
