The Swedish failure & stark contrast from Finland, Denmark and Norway
Among Nordic countries -- which share similar cultural, geographical and sociological attributes -- the contrast with Sweden is great. Finland declared a state of emergency, closed schools and banned gatherings of more than 10 people on March 16, restricted travel to and from its Uusimaa region on March 28 and closed restaurants, cafes and bars on April 1.
Denmark announced widespread closures on March 11 and was among the first in Europe to close borders, shops, schools and restaurants, and to ban large gatherings. Norway began introducing travel restrictions in mid-March and has since closed schools and daycare centers, banned the use of vacation properties, canceled events and closed businesses such as hair and beauty salons.
The death rate in Sweden has now risen significantly higher than many other countries in Europe, reaching more than 21 per 100,000 people, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University, controlled for population.
By contrast, Denmark has recorded more than seven deaths per 100,000 people, and both Norway and Finland less than four.
Sweden has registered 18,640 coronavirus cases and 2,194 deaths among its population of 10.3 million people.
Denmark has had 8,773 cases and 422 deaths in a population of 5.8 million, Norway 7,449 cases and 202 deaths among its 5.4 million people, and Finland 4,576 cases and 190 deaths in its population of 5.5 million.
Denmark and Norway are now beginning to ease their lockdowns, with children returning to school in the past 10 days, in smaller classes with markers to help keep them two meters apart. Salons and other businesses with one-to-one contact will reopen in Norway from Monday. Finland has extended its restrictions until May 13.
Further afield the Czech Republic, which has a similar-sized population -- 10.7 million -- to Sweden, has recorded 7,404 cases and 221 deaths -- around two deaths per 100,000 people. It took a markedly different approach to the pandemic by shutting schools, closing restaurants and bars and most stores, restricting travel and ordering mandatory quarantines for travelers from at-risk regions in early March. It has also made it compulsory for people to wear face masks in public.
Sweden has not had as many deaths as Italy or Spain, which have recorded around 44 and 49 deaths per 100,000 people respectively, or even the UK, where there have been more than 31 deaths per 100,000 of the population. But there are various complex differences between Sweden and these countries that make direct comparisons harder, such as Italy having an older population, more smokers, and a larger number of close-knit multigenerational households.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/worl...story/ar-BB13k1a6?li=AAggNb9&ocid=mailsignout
Among Nordic countries -- which share similar cultural, geographical and sociological attributes -- the contrast with Sweden is great. Finland declared a state of emergency, closed schools and banned gatherings of more than 10 people on March 16, restricted travel to and from its Uusimaa region on March 28 and closed restaurants, cafes and bars on April 1.
Denmark announced widespread closures on March 11 and was among the first in Europe to close borders, shops, schools and restaurants, and to ban large gatherings. Norway began introducing travel restrictions in mid-March and has since closed schools and daycare centers, banned the use of vacation properties, canceled events and closed businesses such as hair and beauty salons.
The death rate in Sweden has now risen significantly higher than many other countries in Europe, reaching more than 21 per 100,000 people, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University, controlled for population.
By contrast, Denmark has recorded more than seven deaths per 100,000 people, and both Norway and Finland less than four.
Sweden has registered 18,640 coronavirus cases and 2,194 deaths among its population of 10.3 million people.
Denmark has had 8,773 cases and 422 deaths in a population of 5.8 million, Norway 7,449 cases and 202 deaths among its 5.4 million people, and Finland 4,576 cases and 190 deaths in its population of 5.5 million.
Denmark and Norway are now beginning to ease their lockdowns, with children returning to school in the past 10 days, in smaller classes with markers to help keep them two meters apart. Salons and other businesses with one-to-one contact will reopen in Norway from Monday. Finland has extended its restrictions until May 13.
Further afield the Czech Republic, which has a similar-sized population -- 10.7 million -- to Sweden, has recorded 7,404 cases and 221 deaths -- around two deaths per 100,000 people. It took a markedly different approach to the pandemic by shutting schools, closing restaurants and bars and most stores, restricting travel and ordering mandatory quarantines for travelers from at-risk regions in early March. It has also made it compulsory for people to wear face masks in public.
Sweden has not had as many deaths as Italy or Spain, which have recorded around 44 and 49 deaths per 100,000 people respectively, or even the UK, where there have been more than 31 deaths per 100,000 of the population. But there are various complex differences between Sweden and these countries that make direct comparisons harder, such as Italy having an older population, more smokers, and a larger number of close-knit multigenerational households.
https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/worl...story/ar-BB13k1a6?li=AAggNb9&ocid=mailsignout
