Coronavirus: how anti-lockdown Sweden is preparing for second wave

Deputy state epidemiologist credits consistency and a light touch for preventing fresh spike in infections in the Nordic nation

Stockholm
Deputy state epidemiologist credits consistency and a light touch for preventing fresh spike in infections in the Nordic nation
(Image credit: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Having stood alone in refusing to lock down when the coronavirus pandemic first hit, Sweden is living up to its reputation as Europe’s odd man out once again in the response to the second wave of infections.

As other Western countries imposed nationwide shutdowns back in spring, Sweden instead opted for lighter restrictions, including banning gatherings of 50 people or more and moving teaching for students aged over 16 to online platforms.

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Arion McNicoll is a freelance writer at The Week Digital and was previously the UK website’s editor. He has also held senior editorial roles at CNN, The Times and The Sunday Times. Along with his writing work, he co-hosts “Today in History with The Retrospectors”, Rethink Audio’s flagship daily podcast, and is a regular panellist (and occasional stand-in host) on “The Week Unwrapped”. He is also a judge for The Publisher Podcast Awards.