COVID Sweden

About COVID Sweden

Sweden took a unique approach to COVID 19, avoiding mandatory lockdowns and relying on voluntary measures. State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell advocated for targeted interventions rather than broad restrictions. Schools for children under 16 remained open. Restaurants, gyms, and shops stayed open with capacity limits. The strategy aimed to maintain a sustainable approach while protecting the vulnerable. Initially, Sweden had much higher mortality than neighboring Nordic countries, with roughly 500 deaths per million by the end of June 2020 compared with under 50 per million in Norway. Around half of early deaths occurred among residents of elderly care homes, and a national Corona Commission later concluded that the strategy had failed to protect the elderly. Over 2020 to 2022, Swedens cumulative excess mortality was lower than that of many European countries, though higher than in its Nordic neighbours. The Swedish approach remains debated. Proponents argue it preserved economy and liberty. Critics argue it cost unnecessary deaths, particularly among the elderly.