Holiday hiatus

A girl wearing conventional garments paints Easter eggs in the course of the Sorbs Easter egg market in Bautzen, Germany, on Tuesday. Picture: IC

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf on April 5 urged Swedes to chorus from Easter travels to family members in a bid to curb the unfold of COVID-19, because the demise toll rises in one in all Europe’s few international locations not in lockdown.

Sweden, whose softer measures to fight the unfold of the brand new coronavirus have drawn criticism each at residence and overseas, on Sunday reported 6,830 confirmed instances of the sickness and 401 deaths.

That’s up from 3,700 instances and 110 deaths one week earlier.

The figures are possible a lot greater in actuality, as solely sufferers admitted to hospital and well being care personnel are being examined for the virus.

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In stark distinction to its Nordic neighbors and far of Europe, Swedes are nonetheless in a position to transfer about freely although they’re strongly suggested to respect social distancing and to self-isolate on the first signal of signs.

Individuals over the age of 70 and in threat teams have been suggested to keep away from contact with different individuals, and highschool and college lessons have been moved on-line.

However nursery and first colleges stay open, in addition to cafes, eating places and retailers.

Among the many stricter measures are bans on gatherings of greater than 50 individuals and on visits to nursing properties.

Authorities have in latest days stepped up pleas to Swedes to remain residence for Easter to gradual the unfold.

The vacation is “a time once we are eager to journey and maybe spend time with household and associates. Many go to church,” the king stated in a televised deal with.

“However, this Easter, a few of this is not going to be doable. We now have to just accept this. We now have to rethink, put together ourselves for staying residence,” he stated.

The king, 74, and Queen Silvia, 75, who’re thought-about in danger due to their age, have been self-isolating at a royal fort south of Stockholm, Stenhammars Slott.

Knowledge on Sunday confirmed that 352 of the 401 deaths in Sweden have been amongst these over the age of 70.

A 3rd of the nation’s municipalities have confirmed or suspected instances of the brand new coronavirus in nursing properties, in keeping with public broadcaster Swedish Radio.

Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has urged Swedes to take particular person duty to gradual the unfold of the virus, as public well being officers have expressed scepticism in regards to the viability of prolonged lockdowns.

Critics have in the meantime known as for extra stringent measures.