This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
Published on April 22, 2020, a Swedish epidemiologist's comments on the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked debate on the effectiveness of lockdowns in combating the disease.
Prof Johan Giesecke, an infectious disease expert based in Sweden, has expressed concerns that the authoritarian move to restrict movement may not yield the intended results. He argues that lockdowns only slow down the spread of the disease, but once restrictions are lifted, those who are susceptible to the illness could still die.
Sweden has taken a more relaxed approach in combating the pandemic, leaving its schools, restaurants, and other public places open. Citizens have been urged to act responsibly and follow social distancing rules.
Prof Johan believes that the spread and severity of COVID-19 largely depend on individual immunity. He notes that lockdowns should not be seen as the main reason for the curve flattening, as the older population, who are more at risk, are dying, leaving the virus to spread among the younger population, who are likely to survive if they get sick.
He also suggests that serological tests would reveal that millions of people are unaware they are sick, as the infection has spread widely.
Prof Johan's comments come as Europe grapples with the pandemic, with countries like Italy, Spain, and the UK imposing strict lockdowns. Sweden's approach has been met with skepticism, but Prof Johan remains convinced that it is the best way forward.
