Experts condemn Sweden’s soft approach to coronavirus as country equals its highest number of deaths in one day with 114 and admits true death toll could be higher
- Coronavirus death toll in Sweden stretched to 1,000 on Tuesday, officials say
- Health agency cautioned this could be higher as not all deaths were reported yet
- Sweden has not implemented full lockdown, most businesses are still operating
- Learn more about how to help people impacted by COVID
Sweden has equaled its record for the number of coronavirus deaths in a day with 114 new deaths bringing the total to over 1,000, as a group of experts attacked the authorities’ approach to the crisis.
The country has also recorded a spike of 497 new cases in 24 hours.
Sweden’s Public Health Agency said on Tuesday it had recorded a total of 11,445 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 1,033 deaths.
It cautioned that the true number of deaths might be higher as not all deaths had yet been reported over the four-day Easter weekend.
People hang out in the street in central Stockholm amid the new coronavirus pandemic in Stockholm, Sweden
The figures are a slight increase from Monday, when Sweden reported 919 deaths and 10,948 confirmed cases of the virus.
Sweden is pursuing relatively liberal policies to fight the coronavirus pandemic, even though there has been a sharp spike in deaths.
In an opt-ed Tuesday, some 22 public health experts called on politicians to take control, saying Sweden’s Public Health Agency had failed. It cited the high Swedish per capita death rate compared to neighboring countries, urging politicians to take control.
Tegnell brushed off the criticism, saying the figures used by the experts were ‘erroneous.’
So far, the Scandinavian country has banned gatherings larger than 50 people, closed high schools and universities, and urged those over 70 or otherwise at greater risk from the virus to self-isolate.
People hang out in a coffee shop in central Stockholm amid the pandemic. In an opt-ed Tuesday, some 22 public health experts called on politicians to take control, saying Sweden’s Public Health Agency had failed
The softer approach means that schools for younger children, restaurants and most businesses are still open, creating the impression that Swedes are living their lives as usual.
While most businesses in Sweden are still operating, the economic cost of the pandemic is already being felt. Last week, 25,350 Swedes registered as unemployed, according to the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce – a larger increase than during the 2008 financial crisis.
After a sharp spike in deaths in Sweden, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven proposed an emergency law allowing the quick closure of public venues and transportation if needed. Lofven also warned citizens to prepare for possibly up to thousands of deaths.
People hang out in Kungstradgarden park in central Stockholm amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Stockholm. Over 1,000 people have died from coronavirus in Sweden and the number of confirmed cases has passed 11,000
People pictured out in central Stockholm amid the coronavirus pandemic. After a sharp spike in deaths in Sweden, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven proposed an emergency law allowing the quick closure of public venues and transportation if needed
Nevertheless, Tegnell, the chief epidemiologist, insists that Sweden’s approach still seems to make sense, though he also acknowledges that the world is in uncharted territory with the virus.
He argued that while Sweden might have more infections in the short term, it will not face the risk of a huge infection spike that Denmark might face once its lockdown is lifted.
‘I think both Norway and Denmark are now very concerned about how you stop this complete lockdown in a way so you don’t cause this wave to come immediately when you start loosening up,’ he said.
He said authorities know that the physical distancing Swedes are engaging in works, because officials have recorded a sudden end to the flu season and to a winter vomiting illness.