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Sweden's King Admits That Their 'Herd Immunity' Coronavirus Plan Has Failed

Sweden's King Admits That Their 'Herd Immunity' Coronavirus Plan Has Failed

Sweden has seen more deaths than all other Scandinavian countries combined

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

The King of Sweden has admitted that the country's attempts to diverge from much of the rest of the world in response to the coronavirus pandemic by creating 'herd immunity' amongst the population has been a failure.

King Carl XVI Gustaf explicitly said 'we have failed' in an interview with Swedish national broadcaster SVT.

He told them: "I think we have failed. We have a large number who have died and that is terrible. It is something we all suffer with.

"The people of Sweden have suffered tremendously in difficult conditions.

"One thinks of all the family members who have happened to be unable to say goodbye to their deceased family members.

"I think it is a tough and traumatic experience not to be able to say a warm goodbye."

King Carl XVI Gustaf.
PA

The monarch isn't the only high-level Swedish person to admit that they believe their approach to dealing with the virus and surrounding crisis hasn't worked out over the course of the pandemic.

The Scandinavian country's Prime Minister Stefan Löfven also told newspaper Aftonbladet that the health authorities and decision-makers had got their response wrong.

He told reporters: "Of course the fact that so many have died can't be considered as anything other than a failure.

He added: "It's when we are through the pandemic that the real conclusions can be drawn."

Sweden's approach centred around allowing the virus to spread through the population to the point where enough people would have antibodies against it that community transmission would decrease significantly.

They've never imposed a full lockdown, and have relied largely on the voluntary actions of the people of the country to enforce rules and guidelines.

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven.
PA

However, they've seen nearly 350,000 cases and more than 7,800 deaths, which is significantly higher than their neighbours in Scandinavia.

When asked if he was worried about catching the virus, the Swedish King added: "Lately, it has felt more obvious, it has crept closer and closer. That's not what you want."

Now, despite bars, restaurants, and schools remaining open throughout the year, teenagers are being asked to move to remote learning, as well as everyone over 16.

Social distancing recommendations were also brought into force nationally from Monday, and Swedes have been advised to meet in groups no larger than eight people, or to gather outside, and have been asked to avoid travelling on the bus or train.

Sweden has never imposed a full lockdown.
PA

There is also a formal ban on gatherings of more than eight which means sports matches, concerts, and demonstrations cannot take place.

Sweden's approach has been the subject of criticism from neighbouring countries who have claimed that their lax attitude has put their own measures in jeopardy.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, Europe, Sweden