Sweden Didn’t Report Decline in Deaths This Year

Layne Radlauer

Health

21st November 2020

Sweden Didn’t Report Decline in Deaths This Year

Sweden has a much higher death rate than its neighbors (Getty Images).

The Claim

Despite refusing to implement any pandemic restrictions, Sweden has reported a relatively low death rate in 2020.

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James Gilheany

Jon Stanich

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Emerging story

Sweden has taken an unusual approach to dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic: they decided to do nothing. Unlike many other countries – including their Scandinavian neighbors – who are implementing shutdowns and quarantines, Sweden hasn’t done much of the sort. Gyms, schools, and restaurants remain open. Some restrictions are in place, but they are far from those taken in other countries.

This approach was derided by many, but some support Sweden's approach. A graph was posted on social media that showed that this year’s death rate has actually decreased since last year, an alleged revelation that would shock shutdown-supporters.

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The claim soon went viral on social media.

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Misbar’s Analysis

Most graphs investigated by Misbar only show data until the beginning of November. There are two entire months left, and its likely that this year’s death rate will far exceed last year’s. This is almost double that of the United States.

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While this number may be high due to inadequate testing, it is still unusually high for a country with such a high standard of healthcare. Sweden also has a much higher death rate than its neighbors (Finland, Denmark, and Norway,) who had implement much more stringent measures than those taken by Sweden.

The latest figures “show Sweden is experiencing higher numbers of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths than its neighbors relative to population size.”