One outlier in terms of the COVID-19 response is Sweden. The country has imposed any lockdowns, and most businesses are allowed to stay open. The country has allowed a general spread of Covid-19 and it is an interesting case to look at and learn from. If Sweden’s high-risk response has been successful, it is too early to tell, but the statistics likely tell a broader story than many other countries that had a lockdown.
The response in Sweden has focused mostly on informing people how to behave rather than using force or legal penalties. A live broadcasted public press conference takes place every day at 2:00pm hosted by the Public Health Agency. At its peak, it had 1.5 million live viewers (over 15 percent of the total population). At the press conference, the agency updates the public on cases/deaths and new rules apply, if any; and at the same time, always emphasises what the best behaviour is. The reason the Public Health Agency takes centre stage is because in Sweden the government is not allowed to interfere in the recommendations or direct work of a government agency (Sweden has laws limiting ministerial rule). The rules and information are therefore based only on the factual knowledge of the Public Health Agency.
In terms of the law, some legal restrictions are in place, such as forbidding gatherings of more than 50 people. There are also travel restrictions to a maximum of two hours from home, and the closure of amusement parks, football games, etc. Currently, some of these restrictions are being slowly lifted.
The Swedish statistics show some interesting facts from a Nigerian perspective.
Read Also: https://businessday.ng/editorial/article/covid-19-nigeria-reopening-but-measures-must-be-stricter/
Firstly, those who have died are mostly over 70 years old. The total number of diseased is currently above 5,000; 90 percent of all deaths are in the 70+ age group, and only 1 percent are from younger than 50 years old. Sweden has a much older population than Nigeria, but the average age is lower than, for example, Italy (40.9 vs. Italy 45.4 years). So, the high average age of people dying works in Nigeria’s favour, as has been widely reported elsewhere. However, what is not as well-known is that of all deaths, 27 percent had diabetes, and 74 percent had high blood pressure, diseases that now are common in Nigeria. Approximately 4 million Nigerians have diabetes, and over 20 million have high blood pressure.
Although age seems to be the major deciding factor, it is worth noting that of the number of people hospitalised, treated and dismissed, 56 percent are under 70 years old; hence, the hospitals have treated and saved many under 70 years old. Sweden’s healthcare system constantly ranks among the top five in the world. Given Nigeria’s lower ranking this is cause for concern.
But the alarming part of the Swedish statistics, both for Sweden and Nigeria, is where the deaths occur – 48 percent of all deaths have occurred at elderly homes or other care homes (for example, homes for disabled people). These are places where people live in much closer proximity than the average Swedish person does. Sweden has also been slow at using Personal Protection Equipment at homes for the elderly – likely an effect of the privatisation of care homes (a government analysis is underway).
The care for the elderly has been underfunded and privatised haphazardly in Sweden, so it might not come as a shock that the elderly homes have been at the centre of Covid-19 deaths. While this has been known for a long time, the fact that almost 50 percent of all deaths in Sweden are in these homes is food for thought. Older people who get assistance at home also have a higher death rate, they account for 25 percent of total deaths, but this is half of the numbers at care homes.
Several conclusions can be derived from the statistics. For example, understanding that not only young people need to be treated and that the good healthcare system in Sweden likely twists the statistics by saving many under 70. Another more hands on conclusion is the need to keep a distance, though it’s impossible for many people to keep a distance, securing the use of face masks and avoiding older people whenever someone feels ill are important preventive measures.
All figures from the Public Health Agency as at 10th June 2020
