"COVID-19 Herd Immunity Experiment Failure" Sweden, Worst in Europe

625 New Cases per 1 Million People... Highest in Europe
Lockdown Measures Also Looser Compared to Other Countries

Citizens waiting to get vaccinated in front of a vaccination center in Stockholm, Sweden
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] In Sweden, which once pursued herd immunity and implemented the loosest lockdown measures in Europe, COVID-19 cases have recently surged sharply again, causing authorities to be on alert.

According to The Guardian on the 13th (local time), Sweden recorded 625 new COVID-19 cases per one million people over the past seven days, the highest in Europe.

The recent seven-day average of new cases per one million people in major European countries were Poland 521, France 491, the Netherlands 430, Italy 237, and Germany 208, all lower than Sweden's figures.

As infections rapidly spread in Sweden, the number of severe COVID-19 patients also increased significantly.

As of the 12th, the number of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units in Sweden was 392 per one million people, higher than the 389 recorded during the second wave in January.

Additionally, in Sweden, with a population of about 10 million, the total number of COVID-19 deaths has reached 13,000. Sweden's mortality rate is several times higher compared to other Nordic countries.

Sweden is considered a representative 'self-regulated quarantine' country that did not implement strict lockdown measures. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Sweden lifted lockdowns and pursued herd immunity by encouraging natural antibody formation, but when the spread of COVID-19 did not subside, it admitted failure.

Although lockdown measures were strengthened again, they are still considered loose. Unlike other European countries that shut down pubs, restaurants, and schools, in Sweden, restaurants, pubs, and even non-essential retail stores continue to operate with few restrictions, and while some remote classes have been introduced in schools, most classes are held normally.

Currently, Swedish authorities are reportedly of the view that stronger measures than those in place are not necessary.

Health Minister Lena Hallengren appeared before parliament last week and said the government's goal is to avoid excessively impacting individuals' lives, stating, "We are working to ensure that other important functions of society operate fully and that society can return to normal once the pandemic ends."

Dr. Anders Tegnell, head of infectious diseases at the Swedish Ministry of Health, also said, "People need to better follow the rules currently in place."

Dr. Anders Tegnell Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.