This is what I have for the Czech republic from the ECDC website:
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publi...graphic-distribution-covid-19-cases-worldwide
ETA: And this is what it looks like per 100k compared to Sweden and Denmark
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Sweden's liberal pandemic strategy questioned as Stockholm death toll mounts
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This is what I have for the Czech republic from the ECDC website:
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publi...graphic-distribution-covid-19-cases-worldwide
ETA: And this is what it looks like per 100k compared to Sweden and Denmark
Indeed it does!
But, you know, the freedom of people who want to go skiing is so much more important than the health and lives of people who don't want to get infected. And I really can't stand hearing complaints from the travel industry about the ambiguous messages from the health authorities.
Some of the travel agencies were probably more responsible than others, but I don't really care if the worst of them go bankrupt. I'm pretty sure that a new Simon Spies will appear once it becomes safe to travel again. Sending young people to Sunny Beach this summer couldn't have been a worse calculation if it had been announced as a Covid-19 party.
I linked to two new articles about the Ischgl outbreak it in this thread in post 2438 recently.
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I guess it doesn't register with CC that the number of cases is also increasing in his region:
The actual number of Covid-19 cases is increasing in Scania. Last week, the number of positive cases increased from 55 per day to 89 cases, on average.
- This is a very disconcerting development, and we are now working intensively, analyzing the statistics and data. I would like to emphasize the importance of following the recommendations. (…) It is good if you can work from home as is paying attention to keeping a distance if you have to use public transport, says Eva Melander, doctor of infectious disease prevention in Scania in a press release.
The number of symptomatice people in Scania who therefore want to get tested also seems to be growing, judged by the number of ordered home tests. Last week the number increased to growing, be even more seem to want to get tested now when more than 3,300 tests have already been ordered this Monday morning.
Latest news about the coronavirus
This is not the time to want to get tested in Sweden:
Several regions will have limited testing capacty for Covid-19 this week. The reason is that the material for the State’s Veterinarian Institute to be analyzed will be delayed.
Latest news about the coronavirus
And it is also not a good time to be a bus driver (or a bus passenger)Bussförare: ”Det är kramkalas” (SVT.se, Oct. 19, 2020)
Bus driver: ”It’s a hugging party” Bus driver in Stockholm complaining about the crowding on public transport. In some regions, people are now encouraged to walk instead of taking the bus or the tram.
Breaking news: ”Very disturbing development of infections in Scania
The actual number of Covid-19 cases is increasing in Scania. Last week, the number of positive cases increased from 55 per day to 89 cases, on average.
- This is a very disconcerting development, and we are now working intensively, analyzing the statistics and data. I would like to emphasize the importance of following the recommendations. (…) It is good if you can work from home as is paying attention to keeping a distance if you have to use public transport, says Eva Melander, doctor of infectious disease prevention in Scania in a press release.
The number of symptomatice people in Scania who therefore want to get tested also seems to be growing, judged by the number of ordered home tests. Last week the number increased to growing, be even more seem to want to get tested now when more than 3,300 tests have already been ordered this Monday morning.
Latest news about the coronavirus
This is not the time to want to get tested in Sweden:
Testing reduced by 50 percent in several regions this week.
Several regions will have limited testing capacty for Covid-19 this week. The reason is that the material for the State’s Veterinarian Institute to be analyzed will be delayed.
Latest news about the coronavirus
And it is also not a good time to be a bus driver (or a bus passenger)Bussförare: ”Det är kramkalas” (SVT.se, Oct. 19, 2020)
Bus driver: ”It’s a hugging party” Bus driver in Stockholm complaining about the crowding on public transport. In some regions, people are now encouraged to walk instead of taking the bus or the tram.
PhantomWolf
Penultimate Amazing
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2007
- Messages
- 21,203
It also is coinciding with the start of colder weather and thus Cold and Flu season.
Clutch Cargo
Muse
WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Data last updated: 2020/10/19, 2:01pm CEST
Newly reported cases in the last 24 hours:
U.S. 52,508
Australia 7
Sweden 0
Denmark 451
New Zealand 0
*** It’s a lovely day!
The U.S. has gone down by nearly 20,000!
Australia has gone down by 5!
Sweden remains the same at 0, no surprise!
New Zealand has managed to “eliminate” the virus for the 6th. or 7th. time! Maybe they have finally followed Sweden’s example? We’ll see.
Denmark has gone down by 50 which isn’t a grand improvement from yesterday’s 500 new cases but I’m sure it gives the Danes some hope of (eventually) getting into the lower numbers that Sweden is enjoying! But with such horrible percentages of new cases of the virus, one can only wonder if Denmark is perhaps flooded with faulty face masks? There simply must be a reason why new cases of the Coronavirus per capita in Denmark are greater than that of Sweden where there is a lack of restrictions and face masks are extremely rare to be seen. Maybe Danish stitching is inferior? I guess it’s not only Danish researchers who are sleeping on the job. They need to give their seamstresses a prod as well. Wake up and get to work, Denmark!
Data last updated: 2020/10/19, 2:01pm CEST
Newly reported cases in the last 24 hours:
U.S. 52,508
Australia 7
Sweden 0
Denmark 451
New Zealand 0
*** It’s a lovely day!
The U.S. has gone down by nearly 20,000!
Australia has gone down by 5!
Sweden remains the same at 0, no surprise!
New Zealand has managed to “eliminate” the virus for the 6th. or 7th. time! Maybe they have finally followed Sweden’s example? We’ll see.
Denmark has gone down by 50 which isn’t a grand improvement from yesterday’s 500 new cases but I’m sure it gives the Danes some hope of (eventually) getting into the lower numbers that Sweden is enjoying! But with such horrible percentages of new cases of the virus, one can only wonder if Denmark is perhaps flooded with faulty face masks? There simply must be a reason why new cases of the Coronavirus per capita in Denmark are greater than that of Sweden where there is a lack of restrictions and face masks are extremely rare to be seen. Maybe Danish stitching is inferior? I guess it’s not only Danish researchers who are sleeping on the job. They need to give their seamstresses a prod as well. Wake up and get to work, Denmark!
There is no lack of restrictions in Sweden, fortunately:
Restriktioner och förbud (Krisinformation.se)
Restrictions and bans
And many more are on the way:
The government wants to introduce a temporary pandemic law
When CC gets the impression that there aren't any restrictions in Sweden, it may be due to Anders Tegnell's sentiment. The poor thing doesn't like the sound of it:
Tegnell: Working hard for the elderly to have more contact with relatives and loved ones
But I can see where Tegnell's coming from: "Restriktioner" is an awfully tinny word in Swedish. "Förbud" is better than "restriktioner", but not nearly as woody as "ban".
And then there are the face masks, munskydd (mouth protection). (In Danish mundbind: Scandinavians still need to learn that the nose has to get covered, too.)
Tegnell sågar munskydd i tysk intervju: ”Farligt” (Expressen.se, Aug. 10, 2020)
Tegnell criticizes face masks in German interview: ”Dangerous”
Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it? That's what it is to be a slave.
CC still hasn't noticed the increasing number of new cases in Scania, his own region:
Massive increase of corona cases in Scania
Restriktioner och förbud (Krisinformation.se)
Restrictions and bans
And many more are on the way:
The government wants a new temporary law that among other things will give politicians increased power to limit the number of passengers on public transport and regulate opening hours and the number of customers in shops.
The government wants to introduce a temporary pandemic law
When CC gets the impression that there aren't any restrictions in Sweden, it may be due to Anders Tegnell's sentiment. The poor thing doesn't like the sound of it:
– "Restrictions" sounds so negative, but we will probably have to adapt our lives more to protecting the elderly. It remains to be seen if this will be by means of a vaccine or in some other way, he says in the Weekend studio's interview.
Tegnell: Working hard for the elderly to have more contact with relatives and loved ones
But I can see where Tegnell's coming from: "Restriktioner" is an awfully tinny word in Swedish. "Förbud" is better than "restriktioner", but not nearly as woody as "ban".
And then there are the face masks, munskydd (mouth protection). (In Danish mundbind: Scandinavians still need to learn that the nose has to get covered, too.)
Tegnell sågar munskydd i tysk intervju: ”Farligt” (Expressen.se, Aug. 10, 2020)
Tegnell criticizes face masks in German interview: ”Dangerous”
Quite an experience to live in fear, isn't it? That's what it is to be a slave.
CC still hasn't noticed the increasing number of new cases in Scania, his own region:
Ten nursing homes in Scania have one or more cases of Covid-19 right now. The contagion is therefore being traced in those places. the number of cases in the elderly is still at a low level, even if that number has increased somewhat. Last week, 40 elderly were infected with the virus.
Massive increase of corona cases in Scania
Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Oct. 19, 2020)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 585 (5,918) 793* 30 *according to SVT.se. No new Swedish numbers till Tuesday.
Denmark: 118 (686*) 452 17 *Six new deaths!
Finland: 63 (351) 131 7
Norway: 51 (278) 147 6
Iceland: 32 (11) 46 4
Iceland has 1,234 active cases, Faroe Islands 13, New Zealand 37.
The Faroe Islands have 63 in quarantine, 0 hospitalized.
Two Norrøna (name of ferry sailing between Denmark and the Faroe Islands) staff members test Covid positive (KVF.fo, Oct. 19, 2020)
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Oct. 19, 2020)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Denmark: 118 (686*) 452 17 *Six new deaths!
Finland: 63 (351) 131 7
Norway: 51 (278) 147 6
Iceland: 32 (11) 46 4
Iceland has 1,234 active cases, Faroe Islands 13, New Zealand 37.
The Faroe Islands have 63 in quarantine, 0 hospitalized.
Two Norrøna (name of ferry sailing between Denmark and the Faroe Islands) staff members test Covid positive (KVF.fo, Oct. 19, 2020)
Danish researchers and doctors about the most recent deaths and hospitalizations:
In addition to more deaths, Denmark has also had a rise in the number of hospitalizations. In the last 24 hours, the number of hospitalized has risen by 10 to 129.
And that is more disturbing than the number of deaths, Hans Jørgen Kolmos thinks.
- It is a little disconcerting. It is headed in the wrong direction, he says.
450 new cases is no big threat
Another 452 cases have been registered since the latest count on Sunday, and according to Allan Randrup Thomsen, professor of experimental virology at the University of Copenhagen, that is a considerable number of new infections.
- I would like to get below 200 (cases) a day before I feel comfortable. Preferably lower, of course. It is not that the 450 new cases are a big threat. But it’s a high level if suddenly something were to happen, says Allan Randrup Thomsen to Ritzau.
Six deahts in Denmark in the past 24 hours – expert is more concerned about the number of hospitalizations
Yes, below 200 cases is obviously a better place to be, but still not particularly good. Unfortunately, I don't see any signs that the Danish authorities would consider switching from 'the dance' to elimination.
A little disconcerting
In addition to more deaths, Denmark has also had a rise in the number of hospitalizations. In the last 24 hours, the number of hospitalized has risen by 10 to 129.
And that is more disturbing than the number of deaths, Hans Jørgen Kolmos thinks.
- It is a little disconcerting. It is headed in the wrong direction, he says.
450 new cases is no big threat
Another 452 cases have been registered since the latest count on Sunday, and according to Allan Randrup Thomsen, professor of experimental virology at the University of Copenhagen, that is a considerable number of new infections.
- I would like to get below 200 (cases) a day before I feel comfortable. Preferably lower, of course. It is not that the 450 new cases are a big threat. But it’s a high level if suddenly something were to happen, says Allan Randrup Thomsen to Ritzau.
Six deahts in Denmark in the past 24 hours – expert is more concerned about the number of hospitalizations
Yes, below 200 cases is obviously a better place to be, but still not particularly good. Unfortunately, I don't see any signs that the Danish authorities would consider switching from 'the dance' to elimination.
I showed this post to septuagenarian friends one of whom sang the World Cup 2011, yes they are truly grateful for circumstance.
Both English immigrants from about 1970 I should add.
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New cases in Sweden:
Tuesday, Sep. 15: 840 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Sep. 22: 1199 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Sep. 29: 1,543 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 6: 1,862 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 13: 2,203 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 20: 3,180 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Sep. 15: 840 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Sep. 22: 1199 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Sep. 29: 1,543 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 6: 1,862 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 13: 2,203 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Tuesday, Oct. 20: 3,180 - since Friday, according to SVT.se
Roger Ramjets
Philosopher
They had the opportunity back in July, but didn't take it. Now you are suffering the consequences.
When will everybody wake up and realize this virus isn't to be toyed with?
Despite the feelings of at least one poster, I’m proud to be part of the defeat of the second wave by Melbourne. It’s been a tough few months, and nobody will be back to normal until an effective vaccine, but good times ahead down here.
It would have been easier in July, obviously, but the opportunity is always there, in principle. It's just a little more difficult when you have 500 cases a day instead of 5. In July, they seemed to think that it might go away all by itself and that they wouldn't need all that apparently superfluous testing capacity anymore, so they weren't prepared when it took just a few weeks for the testing capacity to be needed again.
And Sweden is in even worse shape in this respect as mentioned in post 2583:
Sweden already doesn't test much and people have to wait far too long for tests and results. It's a recipe for disaster (again!) in this situation.
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Clutch Cargo
Muse
WHO Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Data last updated: 2020/10/20, 3:05pm CEST
Newly reported cases in the last 24 hours:
U.S. 46,378
Australia 9
Sweden 0
Denmark 452
New Zealand 1
Believe it or not, it’s the U.S. that’s big the winner with a decrease in 6,000 new cases! Naturally, Sweden maintains its “elimination” status recording another zero new infections. New Zealand has lost its latest “elimination” boast and will need to try again tomorrow. Despite claims of having “defeated” the virus … Australia has also failed. But let us be honest. Terms like “eliminated” and “defeated” are psychological placebos, “the opium of the people" as Karl Marx might have said.
Denmark has increased its new infected rate and that despite all of its restrictions. Denmark had a lower rate of newly infected before it introduced restrictions. WTF. But Denmark is faking it. The talk about Sweden lacking in preventative measures and reporting its new cases diligently are worth scrutiny, to be sure, but it is being honest. Denmark, on the other hand, is putting on a false face. It claims to be introducing and enforcing restriction but that is BS. Well, perhaps not pure BS but it is not following any true strategy. Using the DSB rail network will shock you. Reserved seat are now compulsory rather than an option as it was prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. A good idea one would think! But no. Back in the pre-corona days you could choose what seat you wanted to book. Today the reserved seats are “issued” and you have nothing to say about it. So what, right? Well, not so much “so what” because you are (by the assignment) compelled to sit next to and facing complete strangers. Great work, Denmark – not. I think it is only fair to mention that one is allowed to seat wherever one finds an unoccupied seat in Sweden. This means that with the “keep your distance” recommendation there are very few people (almost none!) who sit close to other passengers. That applies to both trains and buses …… and ferries as well. So, if you are wondering why Denmark has more newly infected virus cases per capita than Sweden, I suggest it is because Denmark does not practice what it preaches. Swedish citizens are entrusted with ‘free will’ to exercise the recommendations passed down to us. I have witnessed very few exceptions where people disregard those recommendations. Twice, I think. Could Sweden do more? Yes. Of course, Sweden could do more and there is ample criticism against Sweden’s lack of full-blown restrictions. But the human species gravitates to comparatives in order to prove their point (or dismiss it) and in keeping with that tradition it is noteworthy to realize that Sweden is much better off than Denmark, our neighbour, that is to say that Sweden’s newly infected rate per capita is less than that of Denmark. I say that not in light of Sweden’s “zero” infection rate but observing the periodical “plus” rate. While I’m at it I might just as well mention that in Sweden one can be issued a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) free of charge at any Apotek and the results are issued within 48 hours. So we can dispense with the completely unnecessary & childishly slanderous comments to the contrary, don't you think?
Data last updated: 2020/10/20, 3:05pm CEST
Newly reported cases in the last 24 hours:
U.S. 46,378
Australia 9
Sweden 0
Denmark 452
New Zealand 1
Believe it or not, it’s the U.S. that’s big the winner with a decrease in 6,000 new cases! Naturally, Sweden maintains its “elimination” status recording another zero new infections. New Zealand has lost its latest “elimination” boast and will need to try again tomorrow. Despite claims of having “defeated” the virus … Australia has also failed. But let us be honest. Terms like “eliminated” and “defeated” are psychological placebos, “the opium of the people" as Karl Marx might have said.
Denmark has increased its new infected rate and that despite all of its restrictions. Denmark had a lower rate of newly infected before it introduced restrictions. WTF. But Denmark is faking it. The talk about Sweden lacking in preventative measures and reporting its new cases diligently are worth scrutiny, to be sure, but it is being honest. Denmark, on the other hand, is putting on a false face. It claims to be introducing and enforcing restriction but that is BS. Well, perhaps not pure BS but it is not following any true strategy. Using the DSB rail network will shock you. Reserved seat are now compulsory rather than an option as it was prior to the Coronavirus outbreak. A good idea one would think! But no. Back in the pre-corona days you could choose what seat you wanted to book. Today the reserved seats are “issued” and you have nothing to say about it. So what, right? Well, not so much “so what” because you are (by the assignment) compelled to sit next to and facing complete strangers. Great work, Denmark – not. I think it is only fair to mention that one is allowed to seat wherever one finds an unoccupied seat in Sweden. This means that with the “keep your distance” recommendation there are very few people (almost none!) who sit close to other passengers. That applies to both trains and buses …… and ferries as well. So, if you are wondering why Denmark has more newly infected virus cases per capita than Sweden, I suggest it is because Denmark does not practice what it preaches. Swedish citizens are entrusted with ‘free will’ to exercise the recommendations passed down to us. I have witnessed very few exceptions where people disregard those recommendations. Twice, I think. Could Sweden do more? Yes. Of course, Sweden could do more and there is ample criticism against Sweden’s lack of full-blown restrictions. But the human species gravitates to comparatives in order to prove their point (or dismiss it) and in keeping with that tradition it is noteworthy to realize that Sweden is much better off than Denmark, our neighbour, that is to say that Sweden’s newly infected rate per capita is less than that of Denmark. I say that not in light of Sweden’s “zero” infection rate but observing the periodical “plus” rate. While I’m at it I might just as well mention that in Sweden one can be issued a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) free of charge at any Apotek and the results are issued within 48 hours. So we can dispense with the completely unnecessary & childishly slanderous comments to the contrary, don't you think?
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It is unfortunate that CC doesn't understand the rules and regulations of public transport in Denmark. And it is even more unfortunate that he doesn't seem to understand similar rules in Sweden.
But at least it seems that there will be some protection against people from Scania transmitting the virus to Danes in the near future:
På torsdagen meddelas med all sannolikhet att den danska gränsen stängs för skåningar. Orsaken är den ökade smittspridningen. (Sydsvenskan.se, Oct. 20, 2020)
It is expected to be announced on Thursday that the Danish border will be closed again to people from Scania because of the increased spread of the virus.
I'll get back in an hour or two with information about the conditions on public transport in Denmark and Sweden.
Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Oct. 20, 2020)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 585 (5,922) 3,180* 30 *since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 119 (688) 529 15
Finland: 63 (351) 294 7
Norway: 51 (278) 169 6
Iceland: 32 (11) 92 3
Iceland has 1,252 active cases, Faroe Islands 16, New Zealand 3.
The Faroe Islands have 56 in quarantine, 0 hospitalized.
But at least it seems that there will be some protection against people from Scania transmitting the virus to Danes in the near future:
På torsdagen meddelas med all sannolikhet att den danska gränsen stängs för skåningar. Orsaken är den ökade smittspridningen. (Sydsvenskan.se, Oct. 20, 2020)
It is expected to be announced on Thursday that the Danish border will be closed again to people from Scania because of the increased spread of the virus.
I'll get back in an hour or two with information about the conditions on public transport in Denmark and Sweden.
Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Oct. 20, 2020)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 585 (5,922) 3,180* 30 *since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 119 (688) 529 15
Finland: 63 (351) 294 7
Norway: 51 (278) 169 6
Iceland: 32 (11) 92 3
Iceland has 1,252 active cases, Faroe Islands 16, New Zealand 3.
The Faroe Islands have 56 in quarantine, 0 hospitalized.
PhantomWolf
Penultimate Amazing
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2007
- Messages
- 21,203
We had 25 new cases today, the most since April, all in isolation. Mostly from a group of Russian fishing crew that flew in a week or so ago and were in managed isolation.
There were 2 associated with the man that caught it on board a ship he was working on, but both were already in isolation.
The rest were travelers returning and in managed isolation.
There were 2 associated with the man that caught it on board a ship he was working on, but both were already in isolation.
The rest were travelers returning and in managed isolation.
A wing and a prayer with the Malthouse Greenhithe hostelry closed and patrons encouraged to isolate after a very big friday night.
Danish seating reservations, distancing on Swedish crowded public transport
I have already explained to CC how seat reservation works - and why - but for some reason he is obsessed with the idea, and he still doesn't get it:
This is at least the third time seat reservation in Denmark comes up in CC's posts, but for those of you who haven't read all his posts and my answers to them over the last couple of months:
1) Denmark introduced mandatory seat reservations on trains going between cities, i.e. for fairly long-distance train rides. The purpose was to avoid crowding, i.e. no reservation = no room for you on the train = no crowding.
2) When the lockdown stopped, the railway company (DSB[) immediately suspended the rule but was told by the state to reinforce it because crowding on public transport, in particular on long-distance public transport, is still a very bad idea as long as the coronavirus is spreading within the borders of a country.
3) And unlike Sweden, you get kicked off the train unless you are wearing a face mask.
Now, let's take a look at conditions in Sweden, which CC presents as the better alternative:
I think that almost everybody here is aware that Denmark doesn't have more cases than Sweden even though it did for a couple of weeks, which is why nobody but CC is wondering why that might be the case, but let's take a look at Sweden's “keep your distance” recommendation" and the "‘free will’ to exercise the recommendations passed down" to Swedes:
But 1) people don't keep their distance (often because they can't!), and 2) when Swedes exercise their "free will", it looks like this:
To diminish crowding on public transport, SL has, among other things, called on travellers to use public transport at other hours, keep a distance, wait for the next bus, and has even asked bus drivers to report if more busses are needed so they can employ more busses fast.
Now this may sound like a very good idea to people who are unfamiliar with the concept of rush-hour traffic: Rush hour is when everybody has to get to or from work or school at approximately the same time. So the celebration of ”free will” has very little to do with it. Instead of telling commuters to use public transport at hours when they don’t need to go to or from work or school, it might be a better idea to tell employers that they need to change working hours. When work begins and stops has very little to do with the ”free will” of employees, since it is always decided by employers, be they factories, offices or schools.
More examples:
Marias anxiety about crowded busses: ”A catastrophe”
(…)
In order to lower the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency wants people to avoid using public transport when it is not possible to make seat reservations. We are also asked not to commute in rush-hour traffic.
People don’t heed the advice
But when the 21 regional councils now summarize the traffic situations of recent weeks, you can see that many travellers have not heeded the advice.
Crowding on public transport is increasing – Regional councils demand national guidelines
And it doesn’t seem to be any different in CC’s Scania:
Scania: Oro för ökat resande med kollektivtrafiken inför vintern (SVT.se, Oct. 16, 2020)
Scania: Concern about increased travelling on public transport when winter is approaching
1) Sweden's rate of daily infections is now (again) higher than Denmark's and rising at an alarming rate as all news media have been informing Swedes about for the past week or so.
2) Just like when the pandemic was at its worst and Sweden claimed to be paying particular attention to protecting the elderly but didn't, the rules, regulations and claims of the Swedish health authorities look very good on paper, but reality is very different from Sweden's promises to its citizens:
So at a time when the number of infections is rising rapidly in a country that already doesn't test much and tells it citizens to get tested only when they have symptoms. testing is reduced by 50 percent for a week.
I have already explained to CC how seat reservation works - and why - but for some reason he is obsessed with the idea, and he still doesn't get it:
This is at least the third time seat reservation in Denmark comes up in CC's posts, but for those of you who haven't read all his posts and my answers to them over the last couple of months:
1) Denmark introduced mandatory seat reservations on trains going between cities, i.e. for fairly long-distance train rides. The purpose was to avoid crowding, i.e. no reservation = no room for you on the train = no crowding.
2) When the lockdown stopped, the railway company (DSB[) immediately suspended the rule but was told by the state to reinforce it because crowding on public transport, in particular on long-distance public transport, is still a very bad idea as long as the coronavirus is spreading within the borders of a country.
3) And unlike Sweden, you get kicked off the train unless you are wearing a face mask.
Now, let's take a look at conditions in Sweden, which CC presents as the better alternative:
I think that almost everybody here is aware that Denmark doesn't have more cases than Sweden even though it did for a couple of weeks, which is why nobody but CC is wondering why that might be the case, but let's take a look at Sweden's “keep your distance” recommendation" and the "‘free will’ to exercise the recommendations passed down" to Swedes:
But 1) people don't keep their distance (often because they can't!), and 2) when Swedes exercise their "free will", it looks like this:
From the same article:
17 of 21 regions complain about crowded public transport in rush hours. In spite of calls to keep a distance, bus drivers in Region Stockholm (SL) report massive crowding. …
To diminish crowding on public transport, SL has, among other things, called on travellers to use public transport at other hours, keep a distance, wait for the next bus, and has even asked bus drivers to report if more busses are needed so they can employ more busses fast.
Now this may sound like a very good idea to people who are unfamiliar with the concept of rush-hour traffic: Rush hour is when everybody has to get to or from work or school at approximately the same time. So the celebration of ”free will” has very little to do with it. Instead of telling commuters to use public transport at hours when they don’t need to go to or from work or school, it might be a better idea to tell employers that they need to change working hours. When work begins and stops has very little to do with the ”free will” of employees, since it is always decided by employers, be they factories, offices or schools.
More examples:
-I use public transport every day and today it was a total disaster, people were breathing down each other’s necs, says Maria Axelsson, medical secretary at the Djursholm home-visiting doctors’ reception.
Marias anxiety about crowded busses: ”A catastrophe”
In spite of calls to avoid public transport, crowding is often massive in rush-hour traffic, according to a compilation of reports about the traffic situation in recent weeks from the 21 local councils that SVT took part in.
(…)
In order to lower the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency wants people to avoid using public transport when it is not possible to make seat reservations. We are also asked not to commute in rush-hour traffic.
People don’t heed the advice
But when the 21 regional councils now summarize the traffic situations of recent weeks, you can see that many travellers have not heeded the advice.
Crowding on public transport is increasing – Regional councils demand national guidelines
And it doesn’t seem to be any different in CC’s Scania:
Scania: Oro för ökat resande med kollektivtrafiken inför vintern (SVT.se, Oct. 16, 2020)
Scania: Concern about increased travelling on public transport when winter is approaching
Could Sweden do more? Yes. Of course, Sweden could do more and there is ample criticism against Sweden’s lack of full-blown restrictions. But the human species gravitates to comparatives in order to prove their point (or dismiss it) and in keeping with that tradition it is noteworthy to realize that Sweden is much better off than Denmark, our neighbour, that is to say that Sweden’s newly infected rate per capita is less than that of Denmark. I say that not in light of Sweden’s “zero” infection rate but observing the periodical “plus” rate. While I’m at it I might just as well mention that in Sweden one can be issued a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) free of charge at any Apotek and the results are issued within 48 hours. So we can dispense with the completely unnecessary & childishly slanderous comments to the contrary, don't you think?
1) Sweden's rate of daily infections is now (again) higher than Denmark's and rising at an alarming rate as all news media have been informing Swedes about for the past week or so.
2) Just like when the pandemic was at its worst and Sweden claimed to be paying particular attention to protecting the elderly but didn't, the rules, regulations and claims of the Swedish health authorities look very good on paper, but reality is very different from Sweden's promises to its citizens:
So at a time when the number of infections is rising rapidly in a country that already doesn't test much and tells it citizens to get tested only when they have symptoms. testing is reduced by 50 percent for a week.
Face masks, crowding and free will in Sweden
I have to elaborate a little on my most recent post, which was already far too long, but two pieces of information need to be added:
1) As mentioned before, face masks are mandatory on public transport in Denmark. That is not the case in Sweden where even alleged experts prefer to remain in denial about their usefulness:
Are epidemiologists all over the world wrong when they recommend face masks?
Agnes Wold
Epidemiologists all over the world don't
Agnes Wold answers your questions about corona
Agnes Wold doesn't give a **** about studies made by epidemiologists all over the world.
2) What about those who don't give a damn about social distancing, crowds and recommendations?
I am fed up with us as caring individuals having to watch these partying people in pubs. It is no use if we are cautious when these egomaniacs return to work on Monday after they have been running around partying. Wouldn't it be a good idea to close down the pubs - or at least limit their opening hours? We are headed for a dark place, I think.
Agnes Wold
You are not alone with your anger. I hope that the ice cold anger of the people can make those party girls and boys* cool down a little.
Agnes Wold answers your questions about corona
This appears to be an integral part of Sweden's lax pandemic strategy: the ice cold anger of the people! It doesn't seem to bother anybody that it doesn't work: The party girls and boys enjoy the free will to party and the people who heed to the restrictions and recommendations enjoy their free will to feel ice cold wrath.
*ETA: "party girls and boys" is my translation of the Swedish word partyprissar.
I have to elaborate a little on my most recent post, which was already far too long, but two pieces of information need to be added:
1) As mentioned before, face masks are mandatory on public transport in Denmark. That is not the case in Sweden where even alleged experts prefer to remain in denial about their usefulness:
Li - Reader's comment
Are epidemiologists all over the world wrong when they recommend face masks?
Agnes Wold
Epidemiologists all over the world don't
Agnes Wold answers your questions about corona
Agnes Wold doesn't give a **** about studies made by epidemiologists all over the world.
2) What about those who don't give a damn about social distancing, crowds and recommendations?
Kalle - reader's comment
I am fed up with us as caring individuals having to watch these partying people in pubs. It is no use if we are cautious when these egomaniacs return to work on Monday after they have been running around partying. Wouldn't it be a good idea to close down the pubs - or at least limit their opening hours? We are headed for a dark place, I think.
Agnes Wold
You are not alone with your anger. I hope that the ice cold anger of the people can make those party girls and boys* cool down a little.
Agnes Wold answers your questions about corona
This appears to be an integral part of Sweden's lax pandemic strategy: the ice cold anger of the people! It doesn't seem to bother anybody that it doesn't work: The party girls and boys enjoy the free will to party and the people who heed to the restrictions and recommendations enjoy their free will to feel ice cold wrath.
*ETA: "party girls and boys" is my translation of the Swedish word partyprissar.
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Swedes are entrusted with ‘free will’ to exercise the recommendations
One from today about free will, public transport and social distancing:
Horror crowding on Stockholm public transport: ”We can’t do anymore. We have already gone to full capacity.”
But instead of being horrified, I guess we should celebrate that Swedes aren't encumbered by face masks or 'compelled to sit next to and facing complete strangers.'
One from today about free will, public transport and social distancing:
Fully packed train carriages, coughing and sneezing from all directions. Stockholm travellers bear witness to this dystopian scenario after morning rush.
Horror crowding on Stockholm public transport: ”We can’t do anymore. We have already gone to full capacity.”
But instead of being horrified, I guess we should celebrate that Swedes aren't encumbered by face masks or 'compelled to sit next to and facing complete strangers.'
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