Countries with early steps to stop spread
Some countries had already took early steps to inhibit the spread of the virus, because of problems that started in late December in China. One country often referred to is South Korea with a population density of 503/km2. There first case was announced on January 20. Their confirmed cases increased by 20 on February 19 and by 58 the following day giving a total of 346 confirmed cases on February 21. Various measures were implemented and on February 4, foreigners from Hubei Province in China were denied entry. On May 19 they had only 5 deaths per million.
Even more effective, however, were Tiawan and Hong Kong. Tiawan with a population of 23 million and a population density of 673 people km2 and geographically very close to China was expected by many to be hard hit. They had their first confirmed infection on January 21 and their first death on February 16. Their present death toll is only 0,3 per million. Hong Kong with a population a little smaller than Sweden (7 million) but with a population density 0f 7,140 people per km2 had their first confirmed case on January 23 and first death on February 4. Their death toll is now 0,5 per million.
Even more effective, however, were Tiawan and Hong Kong. Tiawan with a population of 23 million and a population density of 673 people km2 and geographically very close to China was expected by many to be hard hit. They had their first confirmed infection on January 21 and their first death on February 16. Their present death toll is only 0,3 per million. Hong Kong with a population a little smaller than Sweden (7 million) but with a population density 0f 7,140 people per km2 had their first confirmed case on January 23 and first death on February 4. Their death toll is now 0,5 per million.
Data May 27
Other countries to compare to Sweden
On March 11, came the first death in Sweden. Earlier on March 6 the first individual was put into intensive care because of the virus. By March 11 the total number in such care was 6. Swedish authorities have often compared Sweden to Italy which had their first confirmed case on January 31 with their first death on February 31 and a death toll of 529 per million on May 19.
However, Italy with its population density of 200 people/km2 and often multi generations in the same household differs too much from Sweden to make a comparison of retainment strategy for Covid-19 interesting. Therefore, in the following, I will do most comparisons with Sweden’s 3 nearest neighbours where population density, living arrangements and weather are somewhat similar.
Finland with a population density of 16 per km2 had their first confirmed case on January 29 and their second case on February 26. Finland through detailed tracking was able to keep the spread of the virus very low the first weeks, but still by March 16 they had 272 cases and their first death on March 21. On March 16 Finland passed an Emergency bill and closed most public places, and limited groups to a total of 10. On March 21, they started to prohibit all travel in and out of the area around their capital Helsinki. This was enforced by both police and the military. On May 19 Finland’s average deaths were 54 per million.
Denmark with a population density of 135 per km2 had their first confirmed case February 27. On April 3 they had 466 new cases which was their highest daily number. On May 19 their average deaths were 95 per million.
Norway with a population density of 14/km2 had their first confirmed case of the virus on February 26 and their first death on March 12. The same day a national lockdown began and for 2 weeks schools, preschools, hair salons, etc were all closed with restrictions on restaurants. All gatherings for sports or culture were banned. Their restrictions being in general much the same as Denmark. As of May 19 their average deaths were 43 per million.
However, Italy with its population density of 200 people/km2 and often multi generations in the same household differs too much from Sweden to make a comparison of retainment strategy for Covid-19 interesting. Therefore, in the following, I will do most comparisons with Sweden’s 3 nearest neighbours where population density, living arrangements and weather are somewhat similar.
Finland with a population density of 16 per km2 had their first confirmed case on January 29 and their second case on February 26. Finland through detailed tracking was able to keep the spread of the virus very low the first weeks, but still by March 16 they had 272 cases and their first death on March 21. On March 16 Finland passed an Emergency bill and closed most public places, and limited groups to a total of 10. On March 21, they started to prohibit all travel in and out of the area around their capital Helsinki. This was enforced by both police and the military. On May 19 Finland’s average deaths were 54 per million.
Denmark with a population density of 135 per km2 had their first confirmed case February 27. On April 3 they had 466 new cases which was their highest daily number. On May 19 their average deaths were 95 per million.
Norway with a population density of 14/km2 had their first confirmed case of the virus on February 26 and their first death on March 12. The same day a national lockdown began and for 2 weeks schools, preschools, hair salons, etc were all closed with restrictions on restaurants. All gatherings for sports or culture were banned. Their restrictions being in general much the same as Denmark. As of May 19 their average deaths were 43 per million.