How Sweden's Covid gamble paid off: Scandinavian nation has suffered FEWER deaths in pandemic than majority of Europe - despite defying scientific advice by refusing to impose strict lockdownsBy EMILY CRAIG HEALTH REPORTER FOR MAILONLINE
6 May 2022
Sweden has logged one of the lowest pandemic death tolls in Europe despite its refusal to impose lockdowns, World Health Organization estimates suggest.
The Scandinavian nation became an international outcast when it defied scientific advice and chose not to shut down in 2020 — instead relying on people's common sense and light social restrictions.
Now, the WHO's analysis of excess deaths — people who died directly and indirectly from Covid — suggests the highly-controversial hands-off approach has been vindicated.
Of the 194 countries looked at by the UN health agency, Sweden's pandemic death rate ranked 101st with 56 per 100,000 — well below the average of 90.
It also puts Sweden below most other major European nations that locked down several times, such as Italy (133), Germany (116), Spain (111), Britain (109), Portugal (100), the Netherlands (85), Belgium (77) and France (63).
Sweden was repeatedly attacked for recording some of the highest Covid death rates during the pandemic.
But countries were previously judged by Covid death rates alone, which were skewed by differences in testing.
Excess deaths include fatalities from all causes and it is considered the most consistent way to measure pandemic death tolls because it accounts for a lack of swabbing and undiagnosed cases.
Sweden relied on citizens' sense of civic duty to protect the population, claiming blanket lockdowns were neither 'necessary' or 'defensible'. Authorities advised residents to practice social distancing, however schools, bars and restaurants remained open.
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Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10788751/How-Swedens-Covid-gamble-paid-Nation-suffered-FEWER-deaths-pandemic-majority-Europe.html
