As the world isolates itself to fight the spread of the Coronavirus, Sweden approaches the pandemic in a very different way from other European countries.
Far from being spared the virus, Sweden has 3,447 cases and 105 deaths linked to Covid-19 on Sunday.
However, its inhabitants continue to live as if nothing had happened.
In Stockholm, the Swedish capital, citizens can still meet, and enjoy the arrival of spring.
In this country, interpersonal skills seem to be in order. The government has not enacted coercive measures and the closure of establishments is not an obligation. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven trusts his citizens’ sense of responsibility and knows that they will be able to behave as adults while respecting government recommendations.
Among them, social isolation is suggested, homework is encouraged and people over the age of 70 are encouraged to isolate themselves.
In addition, social distancing and the practice of barrier gestures are essential, as is avoiding the crowd when a person is at risk.
These images may seem shocking to an Italian or a Frenchman who undergoes strict confinement measures.
In Sweden, schools, bars, restaurants and shops of all kinds are therefore always open.
Students, teachers, walkers and customers continue to flock.
This Sunday, Stefan Lofven implemented a second mandatory measure: gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited, which lowers the departure limit of 500 customers.
Anders Tegnell is a state epidemiologist with the Swedish Public Health Agency, saying closing schools would be thoughtless action.
“It is not possible to do very drastic things like in other countries, to keep schools closed for four or five months, would have severe effects in many respects, especially in public health.
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