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A couple of weeks after November, almost all regions have introduced stricter advice and recommendations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In the spring, the spread of the infection was worst in metropolitan areas, but is now found throughout the country. The Minister of Social Affairs, Lena Hallengren, still hopes the situation is not as difficult as it was then.
– In many ways, we are much better prepared, so there is much to suggest that we should not end there. On the other hand, we don’t have anything for free. This spring, people worry that they not only followed the advice and restrictions, they did it with enthusiasm. We don’t have that situation right now, says Lena Hallengren.
– Treatment methods have progressed, health and care personnel know what they are finding, and there are established routines. There are many indications that we should be able to better handle this situation.
Photo: Roger Turesson
How do you see that the Swedish Public Health Agency was wrong several times, including about the power of the spread of the infection in autumn?
– Which country was right? All countries try to make the best possible forecasts and comply as accurately as possible. But it is important to be prepared for many different scenarios. I don’t know if there was any country in Europe that thought it would go so fast and hit so hard and hit the countries that were hit the hardest last time, like Spain, France and Great Britain.
– If it were the case that the Public Health Agency were wrong all the time, it would be a problem, but I don’t think it is.
What signals do you think it gives that the government one week implements restrictions, for example, for seated audiences and the next week it tightens them?
– As for the signals, I think people feel that it is confusing, I am fully aware of that. When we gave the message about the seated audiences, not many people said that we did not seem to be really wise considering the contagion situation we had then. The Public Health Agency did not give such criticism either.
– We know how many are affected by having the limitations that we have. I understand the signs, but in that situation we think so and I understand that we had very great support from these sectors and other political parties.
Is there anything else you regret during this time?
– I do not want to seem that I have no self-criticism because it is clear that we are constantly investigating. But I think it is more important to think about what we should do in the future and what lessons we should learn. The information that we have had in each given situation has meant that we have tried to act in a way that puts life and health first, but also ensures the employment of people and that activities should not go to the grave.
Who would say is responsible for so many deaths in the spring?
– It’s a super difficult question. I could say it’s my fault or someone else’s, but I don’t think you can answer the question that way. It is a pandemic that has affected a whole world and we are still in the middle of this. As soon as it calms down, we will evaluate. But in a pandemic that affects a whole world, all societies and all sectors, all actors must think about what they do and what they can do differently.
– It is not about blaming yourself, but it is not possible to take full responsibility for yourself. It is a whole society that has tried to change together.
Photo: Roger Turesson
What is your responsibility and that of the government?
– We have the responsibility to make all the decisions that we can make. Ensure that there are resources, that the authorities have everything they need to do their job. But in the midst of a pandemic, the entire division of responsibilities in a society cannot be changed. It is more important than ever that you take on the responsibility that you normally have.
– It does not come from the fact that we have 21 regions that are in charge of health and medical care. There is no care provided by the state or the state arranging care by hand. But it is clear that there are guidelines, training, guidance and regulations.
How do you see the infection re-entering nursing homes?
– We have a greater spread of the infection and it is visible in all parts of society. We certainly shouldn’t blame anyone, but somehow the infection comes along. It is clear that it is very unfortunate, none of us want to see infections in nursing homes. But I really hope the staff feel safer this time.
What tools are you really left with to work to slow the spread of the infection?
– It is clear that we can take more action. Now questions are being asked about a nursing home restraining order and it is clear that we are looking into it. But you cannot just implement a new measure, and if it has not gone into effect the next day, you must introduce a new measure. The city councils that exist now are very restrictive and intrusive. In different ways, we need to get the information out and get people to follow the advice. The ambition is not to implement as many measures as possible, that is the effect we want.
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