AUTHOR=Björkman Anders , Gisslén Magnus , Gullberg Martin , Ludvigsson Johnny 

TITLE=The Swedish COVID-19 approach: a scientific dialogue on mitigation policies

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 11 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1206732

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2023.1206732

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweden was among few countries which did not adopt strict lockdown but relied more on mi�ga�on recommenda�ons on a voluntary sustainable basis. While supported by the majority of Swedes, this approach, was rapidly and con�nuously cri�cized. Respec�ul debate about scien�fic evidence was o�en replaced by mudslinging. Available data on excess all-cause mortality rates, however, indicate that Sweden experienced rela�vely fewer deaths per popula�on unit during the pandemic (2020-2022) than most other high-income countries and comparable to neighboring Nordic countries. An open objec�ve scien�fic dialogue is essen�al for learning and being beter prepared for future outbreaks.