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As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased, the Swedish Public Health Agency has strengthened recommendations to curb the spread of the infection. Some regions have even gone further and introduced local general councils.
People are now being urged to avoid everything from shops to concerts, museums, libraries, sports training, bathrooms, and gyms.
The question is what to do if others do not follow the recommendations.
Psychologist Johan Waara, A university professor in the Department of Psychology at Uppsala University, he notes that it becomes more difficult to get people to follow the recommendations as time goes on. Many are already tired of socializing, he says.
– You turn around and think “this doesn’t affect me.” It doesn’t matter that you read testimonials from people who have been on a respirator for several weeks when you want to eat pizza with your friends and talk for a while.
But there is an opportunity to influence your environment, as long as you do it in the right way.
Psychologist Johan Waara urges people to be open to each other in crown times.
Photo: Private
Firstly it is not profitable to act as a policeman and report unknown persons, if their actions do not affect oneself.
– The “little police” in the city can provoke conflicts. If two other people are too close to each other and you tell them, they can lock themselves up.
However, you can tell if someone else’s actions affect you, if someone, for example, is too close to you in a queue. But remember to be clear about the importance of the person’s actions to you.
– You don’t have to attack aggressively. Mark because you do not say things to be shit, but you say “when you are so close you create anxiety, it causes me discomfort”. If the person does not respect you, you may have to move.
If someone instead tells you to follow the recommendations better, do not take it as a criticism:
– It can be good feedback that is there to protect you from infection. The person may say that to be afraid of you.
You can also work to get your immediate circle, like family and close friends, to follow the recommendations. So it is important to highlight facts and data rather than emotional arguments, pointing out that “this is what it looks like” and “this is dangerous.”
– You cannot force two 70-year-olds to stay at home, but it can be pointed out that it is a risk to know their grandchildren.
Queue at a bus stop in Malmö.
Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT
You can also set a good example, both for your loved ones and the community, by following the recommendations yourself.
– Even if others don’t behave in queues, on buses and at Ikea, you can set a good example yourself. It can give rings in the water.
Finally urges Johan Waara we dare to be open to people and say what it is. If someone from the family or circle of friends suggests celebrating Lucia “because you’ve always had it,” maybe it’s time to say no. You can salute at the beginning of the event, but end with a cuddle party after mulled wine – not quite as suitable in crown times.
– Perhaps the Swedes do not have a black belt, to be open in communication. But it’s about courage, understanding that this is serious. It is not a common stomach ailment, but this will keep the world in an iron grip for a while longer.
Read more:
Anders Tegnell: Organize dinners and parties
Psychologist: It can be years before we dare to sneeze again on the bus
