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As Deaths Soar, Doubts Grow Over Sweden's Exceptional COVID-19 Response

Henry Ridgwell

   LONDON - As much of Europe remains under a strict lockdown amid the
   coronavirus pandemic, Sweden has stood out in taking a very different
   approach.

   The government has refused to impose strict new lockdown laws,and its
   people have been allowed to work and travel.

   In the early days of the pandemic, it seemed that Sweden may have
   gotten things right, as the outbreak tore through Italy, Spain, France
   and Britain. However, infection rates are increasing rapidly, and there
   have been close to 4,000 deaths, prompting growing nervousness in the
   country.

   Unlike other cities across Europe, the streets of Stockholm have
   remained busy, as shops, cafés, restaurants and nightclubs have stayed
   open, along with primary schools and most services such hairdressing.

   The government has asked citizens to take individual responsibility for
   social distancing, while people over 70 and anyone feeling ill are
   asked to stay home.

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