As we move into relaunch, we continue to learn more about this virus & how other parts of the world are responding to #COVID19AB. I have received questions about Sweden’s approach, where the government put minimal stay-at-home or physical distancing orders in place. (1/7)
There are a few differences between Sweden and Alberta. First off, more than 1/2 of all households in Sweden are single-person households. In Alberta, less than 1/4 of all households have only 1 person. In Sweden, distancing from others in daily life is much easier. (2/7)
Secondly, there are restrictions in Sweden such as capping gatherings at 50 people & closing high schools/post-secondary institutions. Social distancing restrictions have been enforced where needed e.g. closing some restaurants when distancing measures were not followed. (3/7)
Finally, Sweden’s advice-based rather than regulatory approach came at a cost. As of yesterday, they had 3,698 deaths. That is 36 deaths/100,000 people which is 12 times Alberta’s rate of 3 deaths/100,000 people. In addition, their ICU rate was 18 times Alberta’s. (4/7)
Despite Sweden’s less stringent approach, their economy has also shrunk in a similar way to neighbouring countries who used more aggressive containment measures. (5/7)
There is not one right or wrong way to deal with #COVID19AB, but there are costs to every choice. In Sweden, there has been a cost of higher death rate. In Alberta, the cost has been the temporary restrictions on some freedoms. (6/7)
We have not seen a high attack rate or death toll here because Albertans have protected each other by our actions. We continue to learn from other jurisdictions & we must continue to protect each other as we slowly move back to regular activities. (7/7)
