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Sweden has not introduced strict quarantine measures taken by other European countries, but has called on the population to take responsibility and follow official recommendations.
Tegnell defended the decision, but said the new information could have been adjusted as the new information came to light.
“If we had faced the same disease with everything we know today, I think we would be doing something between what Sweden and the rest of the world have done,” Tegnell told Swedish radio.
To date, Sweden has reported 40,803 cases of COVID-19 infection and 4,542 deaths.
In Sweden, far more people have died from COVID-19 than in neighboring Scandinavian countries, which have taken tougher measures to stop the spread of the infection. According to Tegnell, the number of deaths from COVID-19 in his country is “absolutely” too high.
However, Mr. Tegnell emphasized that he was still not sure what additional measures would have changed the situation.
“It would be nice to know more precisely what you should shut down to better prevent the spread of the infection,” he said.
Schools were open to students under the age of 16; Cafes, bars, restaurants, and most businesses were not closed, only residents were encouraged to work from home, limit contact with others, maintain social distance, and wash their hands frequently.
The public is expected to follow the recommendations, but they are not legally binding.
“The strategy is strong”
However, in Sweden, visits to nursing homes and gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited.
Tegnell told reporters on Wednesday that his comments did not mean that the Public Health Agency had doubts about the chosen strategy.
“We still believe this strategy is sound, but there is always room for improvement, especially when looking back,” said the chief epidemiologist.
“I personally think it would be strange to answer that question differently,” he added.
Swedish leaders have repeatedly emphasized that the measures they have taken are long-term and that fighting the virus is a “marathon, not a sprint.”
However, the Swedish strategy has been criticized both at home and abroad, especially for the significantly higher number of deaths than in neighboring Scandinavian countries, all of which have taken tougher measures to stop the spread of the virus.
Tegnell noted what he called an “ambivalent” approach for Sweden abroad. The Swedish strategy is said to have received praise and criticism.
“It was sometimes perceived as a threat, because it can indirectly cast doubt on some of the rather drastic measures that have been taken,” Tegnell said.
In a separate interview with Swedish news agency TT, he said the implementation of austerity measures “could also do more harm.”
“There is no direct correlation between doing a lot and being careful,” Tegnell said.
“There is nothing to suggest that we would have had a completely different outcome if we had taken more drastic measures,” he continued. “Britain did it, but it didn’t get a good result.”
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