Sweden is criticized for not using legal prohibitions, lockdowns, quarantines etc. in the fight with Corona.I dare to say our softer policy and recommendations for social distancing work pretty much the same as many other countries much stricter policies.
Sure, some people ignore our recommendations - but I know a lot of people get fined in countries with stricter policy too. I also know people commit crimes in spite of facing 200 years in jail or death penalty. Prohibitions does not work in itself, they only work when people embrace the reasons behind them, find them meaningful and feel they are part of the community around it.
You can't keep total lockdown for several months, but what we are doing Sweden can continue as long as needed without too much negative effects on society, economy etc.
Swedish people are not the ones being subjected to a big social experiment, it is a much larger experiment to lock up entire populations for several months. Nobody knows what happens to public health and the economy (which in turn has a strong impact on general aspects of public health) when you have several months shutdown and force people to isolate themselves and / or stay indoors.
In Sweden we don’t need the legal advice to make people do things because of cultural traditions. Here the word recommendation translates "clear and informed advice". Therefore, 97 % of Swedish parents are vaccinating their children voluntary and most people are now practicing social distancing voluntary, because we find it important, because we trust our system and because we trust our fellow citizens.
Swedish measures on Corona might change to stricter if needed, but we trust in our authorities and experts to be the judge of that. I am so proud and feel so lucky to live in county that not only put their trust in science and authorities, but also in their people <3
Take care you all, wherever you are. This is not a a competition and we will get through this together.
Update: An interesting read
https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/42638988Update 2:
https://www.aier.org/article/what-sweden-has-done-right-on-coronavirus/https://mitti.se/nyheter/sparen-corona-lasarnas/?omrade=tabyhttps://www.dn.se/sthlm/se-dns-bilder-pa-ett-tomt-stockholm/
