Large difference in the proportion of covid deaths by region

Image of a morgue in Jönköping county. Stock Photography.Picture: Mikael Fritzon / TT

Gävleborg is the region of the country that has the most deaths from covid-19 in relation to the population. The region has 161 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the latest statistics from the National Health and Welfare Council.

Stockholm ranks second with 154 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Västernorrland with 143.

According to Johan Kaarme, director of health and medical care in the Gävleborg region, the region is investigating whether the death toll may be related to the high spread of the infection that existed in Gävleborg in December.

– He speaks, and this is also what the Crown Commission shows, which has a direct connection with the spread of the infection, says Johan Kaarme and continues:

– And there Gävleborg was in December and January highest in Sweden with just over 1,450 cases per 100,000. This is where the highest level has been internationally. Estonia, which currently has the highest spread of the infection, is 1350. So it was an incredible spread of the infection that we had in December.

In twelve of the 21 regions of the country, the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants is 100 or more, and there are large differences between regions.

Västerbotten has the lowest number, with 45 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Värmland and Gotland have the second and third lowest mortality rates with 53 and 62 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively.