Positive COVID-19 tests in no-lockdown Sweden hit lowest rate since pandemic started

 

People walk in Stockholm on July 27, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. PHOTO BY JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease and incorrectly as coronavirus pneumonia, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

It is well known to produce flu-like or cold-like symptoms, including fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, and fatigue. Similarly, in severe cases, it is characterized by pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock that leads to about 3.75% of those infected to death according to the WHO. Certainly, there is no specific treatment yet, while the main therapeutic measures consist of relieving symptoms and maintaining vital functions.

In reference to this, it is necessary to indicate that the positive tests for COVID-19 in Sweden without blocking reached the lowest rate since the pandemic began.

Attempt to slow down COVID-19

That’s right, Sweden carried out a record number of new coronavirus tests last week and only 1.2% tested positive, according to the health agency. Likewise, it has been indicated to be the lowest rate since the pandemic began at a time when countries in Europe are experiencing sudden increases in infections.

For its part, Sweden avoided a lockdown and instead emphasized personal responsibility, social distancing, and good hygiene in an attempt to slow down rather than eradicate a disease that is seen as here to stay. The strategy drew harsh criticism at home and abroad as deaths skyrocketed in the spring, but it has also been hailed by WHO officials as a sustainable model.

This being the case, the director-general of the Swedish Health Agency, Johan Carlson, expressed during a press conference that while many countries have changing rules and blocking restrictions, the Swedish guidelines were designed to be easy to understand and retain for a period of time dragged on.

More than 5,800 people with the disease have died, many times more per capita than in neighboring Nordic countries, but fewer than Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Likewise, deaths, hospitalizations, and new cases have now fallen to low levels, while countries such as Spain and France face a surge in infections after the blockades were lifted. Thus, Sweden carried out over 120,000 tests last week, with just over 1,300 testings positive, well below the 19% positive tests obtained over a few weeks in the spring, and now has the highest spread rate low from Scandinavia.

Source: Reuters, National Post