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Sweden’s handling of the pandemic has been completely sawn off internationally.
But several experts believe that the countries of Europe have changed and are now following the Swedish model.
– But no one would admit it, says Swiss professor Antoine Flauhault to Svenska Dagbladet.
Recommendations instead of mandatory laws, schools and restaurants open along with reminders to wash your hands and keep your distance.
The Swedish model during the pandemic has been described as irresponsible and used as an example of horror by several world leaders, especially in reference to the high death toll in Sweden. At various times, Sweden has had the highest proportion of deaths per capita in the world.
But international virus experts claim that Sweden is now getting revenge for its unique corona strategy, SvD reports.
– Today, all countries in Europe more or less follow the method of the Swedish model, but no one would admit it. That is not politically correct. Almost everyone has criticized the Swedish strategy, calling it inhumane and a failure. You can’t turn around now, says Antoine Flahault, professor of epidemiology at the University of Geneva and director of the Institute for Global Health.
Photo: Pressbild / University of Geneva
Antoine Flauhault.
Trust unique
While the infection is currently declining in Sweden, the numbers are increasing in countries that have opened after strict closures. And when the virus spikes again across Europe, most countries choose not to reintroduce closures.
Instead, in the Swedish way, the population is encouraged to use common sense and follow recommendations on hygiene and physical distance.
– The Swedish model is considered today as sensible or as a unique alternative to the blockade. There, they have managed to get the public to understand and participate in the fight against the virus without mandatory laws and regulations. Countries want to try something more mature, more responsible and inclusive, says Fauhalt.
David Nabarro, WHO envoy for covid-19, also praises Sweden.
– I advocate that this type of trust between authorities and people is used more widely in the world, he tells SvD.
Photo: TT
Several experts SvD has spoken to say many countries are now following Sweden’s previously mocked strategy.
A privileged country
However, all the experts highlight Sweden’s collapse when it comes to keeping the infection out of nursing homes.
And Marc Van Ranst, director of the Belgian Institute of Public Health, believes that Sweden is privileged to have good medical care and few well-informed citizens. The Swedish model might not work as well in a larger, densely populated country.
Nabarro, from WHO, points out that the results do not yet exist.
– The history books will give us the answers. So the Swedish strategy can be compared to others, he tells SvD.
Photo: Björn Lindahl
Swedish state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell.
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