Anders Tegnell, the virologist who came up with the Swedish approach to Corona, does not accept anything. The world thinks that the Swedish model (hardly a lockdown, as much as a meter and a half) has failed: per 100,000 inhabitants, Swedes have died five times more than Danes. But Tegnell says it is way too early is for conclusions: the virus is far from gone. The Swedish approach can be maintained for much longer than what has been done in the Netherlands and other Western countries. Normal life was halted there for two months, while much remained common in Sweden.
Tegnell predicts that the other countries will move from one crisis (and lockdown) to the next. That will destroy the economy and ultimately erode support, he predicts in a podcast. And the Swedish model, on the other hand, can be maintained even if it is going to take a long time.
Tegnell argues that the world is only in the first phase is facing a long and uncertain battle with Covid-19. That’s why the Swedish approach – keeping a large part of society open, but teaching people to keep their distance – is the only realistic way, he says. The lockdowns also come at a price, he says. He mentions domestic violence, loneliness and massive unemployment.
He is looking forward to assessing the differences in approach if all this is ever over.
First he goes on vacation. That will be in Sweden, because other countries have closed the door for Sweden. For fear of contamination.
Bron(nen): Bloomberg
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