[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Sweden's response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has attracted attention. Unlike most European countries that imposed movement restrictions, Sweden's strategy allowed most daily life to continue, leading to claims that it was experimenting with 'herd immunity.' In fact, unlike other European countries, cafes and bars remained open in Sweden, and the borders were not closed. Even cafes in operation were not fined for not adhering to social distancing regulations; they were only required to make improvements before reopening. Due to these 'lenient' measures, Sweden ultimately chose a strategy where COVID-19 spreads slowly among the population so that most citizens develop immunity.
Citizens are shopping at the market in Malm?, Sweden. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), signs and fences requesting citizens to maintain distance from each other have been installed throughout the market. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]
Is Sweden really conducting a cruel experiment with herd immunity?
Herd immunity refers to a situation where more than 60% of the population has developed antibodies, preventing further spread of COVID-19. In South Korea, too, in the absence of vaccines or treatments, the idea of herd immunity was raised as a way to curb the spread of COVID-19. The claim that "only when 60% of the population becomes immune to this virus can the spread be stopped" was openly discussed, causing controversy.
The controversy arises because during the process of achieving herd immunity, many elderly and chronically ill individuals may lose their lives or be at risk of death. To reach 60% immunity in a country with a population of 50 million, 30 million people would need to be infected. Assuming a fatality rate of 1%, this would result in 300,000 deaths. If the fatality rate rises to 2%, 600,000 would die; at 3%, 900,000 would lose their lives. For this reason, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has stated that the herd immunity strategy is not one they pursue.
Eric Mobrand, a professor at Seoul National University Graduate School of International Studies from Sweden, explained that Sweden's COVID-19 response strategy is "just different from other countries" and that "they have not chosen herd immunity." Professor Mobrand said, "The Swedish government has never officially declared that herd immunity is the best choice and that they would pursue it," adding, "Although such discussions have occurred, they have never pushed it as the national response direction to the virus."
He emphasized that Sweden's unique political, social, and cultural characteristics are reflected in their approach, and that Sweden is also desperately trying to prevent citizens from getting infected and buying time until treatments or vaccines become available.
Professor Mobrand also pointed out Sweden's unique characteristics. He said, "Except for universities, schools have been operating differently by region according to local discretion," explaining, "In Sweden, education and healthcare decisions are not made by a central system but by local governments." Universities, which are under central government jurisdiction, switched to online classes early in the outbreak.
In fact, Swedish health authorities took the situation seriously from the beginning. Professor Mobrand explained, "The Swedish government recognized early on that this virus is different from the flu" and "alerted the public about its seriousness." However, despite government efforts, the rapid spread was largely influenced by Swedes who vacationed in places like Italy, similar to other European countries such as Germany. He noted, "The surge in confirmed cases in Sweden is similar to the early surge in Italy."
Professor Mobrand also refuted claims that the Swedish central government is not actively responding to COVID-19. He explained, "In Sweden, the health authorities lead the COVID-19 response," adding, "The central government does not take the lead." Politicians rarely hold press conferences related to COVID-19. The New York Times explained this by stating, "The Swedish constitution prohibits the government from infringing on the authority of independent agencies like the health authorities."
Anders Tegnell, an expert from the Swedish health authorities, explained, "Basically, Sweden's quarantine strategy is the same as other countries' in that it aims to slow the spread as much as possible." However, he added, "The difference from other countries lies in the methods used."
The New York Times introduced the core value of Sweden's quarantine policy as 'trust.' It is a quarantine policy based on the trust of each citizen without movement restrictions or penalties such as fines.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
