Continuation Sweden's liberal pandemic strategy questioned as Stockholm death toll mounts (Part 2)

[dann]

Sunday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 16, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,521 (15,513) 25,566* 105 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Jan 18.
Denmark: 600 (3,494) 26,169* 59 *of 187,175 tests (13.98%); 1st dose 82.43% of pop., 2nd 80.14%, 3rd 56.66%
Finland: 310 (1,724) 9,582 61 New numbers on Monday, Jan 17.
Norway: 252 (1,381) 7,604 76
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,206 8 New numbers on Monday, Jan 17.
Active cases in Iceland 9,670, New Zealand 1,024, Faroe Islands 2,461, Greenland 5,107
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 17, 2022)
Omicron 'a case of when, not if', Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 17, 2022)
Professor Michael Baker warns to prepare for a 'very intense rise of cases' (NZ Herald, Jan 16, 2022)

[dann]

Quote:

* Sweden's Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson has tested positive for Covid-19, according to news agency TT.
* Her press secretary wrote that Andersson received a positive result from a rapid test and that she is following the recommendations and will be working from home.
* Both the Green party co-spokersperson Per Bolund and the Center party leader Annie Lööf had tested positive earlier this week. All the party leaders were gathered for a debate in parliament and a meeting on Wednesday.
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson tests positive for Covid-19 (RadioSweden, Jan 14, 2022)

Quote:

* The Swedish government appears to lack enough support to extend its emergency pandemic law for another four months.
* The legislation expires on January 31st and a majority of Parliament's Heath and Welfare Committee is pushing for a two month extension instead.
* The temporary law was passed a year ago and gives the government more legal powers to introduce measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 without having to going through parliament first.
Swedish lawmakers say they won't back longer extension of pandemic law (RadioSweden, Jan 14, 2022)

Quote:

* Center Party leader Annie Lööf and Per Bolund, one of the two spokespersons for the Green Party, both said on social media that they've tested positive for the coronavirus.
* The news comes after all parliamentary party leaders gathered for their first debate of the year on Wednesday.
* Lööf said she was asymptomatic and both she and Bolund said they were isolating after getting their results.
Two party leaders test positive for coronavirus (RadioSweden, Jan 13, 2022)

They should have masked up at the party leader debate ...

Quote:

* The Swedish Public Health Agency says adults who have recovered from a Covid infection should get a booster shot as soon as they're healthy again.
* Experts say vaccine-induced immunity is more reliable than natural immunity caused by an infection.
* Other medical experts disagree, saying waiting a few months could be a good idea, and some other countries recommend a gap between recovery and then getting the booster.
Swedish Health Agency recommends getting booster shot right after Covid recovery (RadioSweden, Jan 13, 2022)

Quote:

* The leaders of Sweden's eight parliamentary parties faced off in a debate on Wednesday for the first time this year.
* The debate covered a broad range of topics ranging from crime to global defence issues.
* It was also the first debate in parliament for Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson - who became party leader of the Social Democrats back in November.
NATO, Covid and crime in focus at party leader debate (RadioSweden, Jan 12, 2022)

Quote:

* weden is to shorten the interval between people's second and third Covid-19 vaccine dose from six to five months.
* Ronny Lestander, the vaccine coordinator in Region Västerbotten, told Swedish Radio Tuesday that the change would be formally announced on Thursday.
* Lestander said his region is already booking booster appointments for those who had their second dose five months ago.
* Update: The Public Health Agency confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the interval between dose two and dose three is to be cut to five months.
Sweden to shorten interval between second and third Covid vaccine dose (RadioSweden, Jan 12, 2022)

[dann]

Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 17, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,521 (15,513) 25,566* 105 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Jan 18.
Denmark: 602 (3,505) 28,780* 52 *of 170,095 tests (16.92%); 1st dose 82.44% of pop., 2nd 80.2%, 3rd 57.01%
Finland: 316 (1,753) 22,217* 61 *Since Friday
Norway: 252 (1,382) 11,031 79
Iceland: 128 (44) 3,505* 7 *Since Friday - Þórólfur hints that restrictions could be lifted early
Active cases in Iceland 9,664, New Zealand 1,028, Faroe Islands 2,654, Greenland 5,261
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized - Border testing to stop on 31 January

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 18, 2022)
Has NZ dodged another Omicron bullet? (NZ Herald, Jan 18, 2022)
Omicron outbreak would push New Zealand back to red traffic light setting, says Jacinda Ardern (RNZ, Jan 17, 2022)

[dann]

Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 18, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,525 (15,558) 97,248* 110 *Since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 604 (3,519) 33,493* 52 *of 193,130 tests (17.34%); 1st dose 82.46% of pop., 2nd 80.27%, 3rd 57.58%
Finland: 317 (1,761) 5,977* 61
Norway: 252 (1,383) 15,367 74
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,383* 3 - Hospital pressure down, testing pressure still high, No more nasal swabs for younger children
Active cases in Iceland 10,162, New Zealand 1,026, Faroe Islands 3,003, Greenland 6,026
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized - About 700 new Covid cases, Tomorrow's testing fully booked

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 19, 2022)
New Zealand closes borders to new arrivals over ‘unprecedented’ Omicron risk (The Guardian, Jan 19, 2022)
Auckland children did not collapse after vaccine - health officials quash social media lies (NZ Herald, Jan 18, 2022)

[dann]

Wednesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 19, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,531 (15,625) 42,725* 107 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 607 (3,535) 33,493* 50 *of 224,485 tests (17.27%); 1st dose 82.48% of pop., 2nd 80.34%, 3rd 58.03%
Finland: 317 (1,762) 8,382* 61
Norway: 257 (1,412) 15,987 72
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,488* 3 - Covid picture improving, Chief Epidemiologist Preaches Patience as Authorities Adapt to Omicron Impact
Active cases in Iceland 10,234, New Zealand 1,037, Faroe Islands 3,369, Greenland 6,250
The Faroe Islands have 2 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 20, 2022)
Whole country will move to red in event of Omicron community outbreak (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 20, 2022)
What life will look like under red traffic light setting after Omicron gets in (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 20, 2022)

[dann]

Friday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 21, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,531 (15,674) 42,295* 105 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 613 (3,571) 46,831* 44 *of 268,092 tests (17.47%); 1st dose 82.51% of pop., 2nd 80.47%, 3rd 58.76%
Finland: 327 (1,815) 10,747 61
Norway: 258 (1,414) 24,958 70
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,456 3 - Minister Calls for Easing Restrictions Immediately
Active cases in Iceland 10,803, New Zealand 1,068, Faroe Islands 3,859, Greenland 6,642
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized - Covid exit strategy announced, Covid expert: we must not stop testing, Nightlife defying Covid restrictions, Vaccine protects against Omicron

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 22, 2022)
Labour sets scene for Omicron, but what happens next? (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 21, 2022)
Second Auckland Airport worker tests positive; Palmerston North case has Omicron; 9 new cases in Nelson (NZ Herald, Jan 22, 2022)

[dann]

Saturday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 22, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,531 (15,674) 42,295* 105 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Jan 25.
Denmark: 617 (3,596) 36,120* 45 *of 240,592 tests (15.01%); 1st dose 82.51% of pop., 2nd 80.47%, 3rd 59.12%
Finland: 327 (1,815) 10,747 61 New numbers on Monday, Jan 24.
Norway: 258 (1,414) 13,337 67
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,456 3 New numbers on Monday, Jan 24. Fewer Deaths Associated with Omicron than Delta
Active cases in Iceland 10,803, New Zealand 1,096, Faroe Islands 4,061, Greenland 6,720
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized ,

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 23, 2022)
New Zealand adds new COVID restrictions as Omicron spreads (AP News, Jan 23, 2022)
New Zealand PM Ardern postpones wedding amid Omicron curbs (AlJazeera, Jan 23, 2022)

[dann]

Sumday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 23, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,531 (15,674) 42,018* 105 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Jan 25.
Denmark: 620 (3,608) 36,120* 42 *of 228,118 tests (18.42%); 1st dose 82.54% of pop., 2nd 80.57%, 3rd 59.29%
Finland: 327 (1,815) 10,747 61 New numbers on Monday, Jan 24.
Norway: 258 (1,414) 12,646 67
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,456 3 New numbers on Monday, Jan 24.
Active cases in Iceland 10,803, New Zealand 1,133, Faroe Islands 4,171, Greenland 6,720
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (health.govt.nz, Jan 24, 2022)
(RNz, Jan 24, 2022)
More Auckland locations visited by person with Omicron (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 24, 2022)

[dann]

Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 24, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,531 (15,674) 42,018* 105 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Jan 25.
Denmark: 622 (3,621) 40,348* 43 *of 194,180 tests (20.78%); 1st dose 82.55% of pop., 2nd 80.61%, 3rd 59.47%
Finland: 327 (1,815) 22,520* 52 *Since Friday
Norway: 258 (1,414) 18,542 67
Iceland: 128 (44) 1,151* 4 *Since Friday - "Must remove restrictions that are no longer justified", Health Minister to Relax COVID Restrictions Once Hospital Gives Go-Ahead
Active cases in Iceland 10,803, New Zealand 1,164 Faroe Islands 4,281, Greenland 7,058
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 25, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 25, 2022)
Omicron outbreak: Changes announced to mask rules (NZ Herald, Jan 25, 2022)
Isolation rules should ease once Omicron takes off, more rapid antigen tests needed - Baker (RNZ, Jan 25, 2022)

[dann]

Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 25, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,535 (15,693) 138,985* 108 *Since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 624 (3,635) 45,590* 44 *of 213,616 tests (21.81%); 1st dose 82.55% of pop., 2nd 80.65%, 3rd 59.75%
Finland: 333 (1,852) 29,529 52
Norway: 258 (1,416) 24,429 60
Iceland: 131 (45) 1,558 3 - Another new covid record, Quarantine rules relax, more to come on Friday, Iceland Significantly Relaxes COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations
Active cases in Iceland 11,638, New Zealand 1,190 Faroe Islands 4,466, Greenland 7,263
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 26, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 26, 2022)
A letter to New Zealand, from Covid-ravaged Australia (The Guardian, Jan 25, 2022)
New mask rules for Covid-19: Exemptions and resisters still a problem, Retail NZ says (RNZ, Jan 26, 2022)
Why some people don't get virus when others in their household are positive (NZ Herald, Jan 24, 2022)

[KDLarsen]

Right, grand reopening 2.0 here we go. This should be interesting

[dann]

Yes, this is bloody awful. How can they talk about herd immunity when they know how much this virus mutates? And why don't they tell parents how much safer vaccines are than infections - even for children? The number of daily Covid-19 deaths seems to have been forgotten. And long Covid never really seemed to in focus.

[dann]

Wednesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 26, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,543 (15,768) 50,495* 106 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 628 (3,656) 46,747* 44 *of 219,647 tests (21.28%); 1st dose 82.56% of pop., 2nd 80.69%, 3rd 59.96%
Finland: 341 (1,894) 8,039 52
Norway: 262 (1,439) 24,677 51
Iceland: 131 (45) 1,539 3 - Icelandic Authorities Take New Approach to Pandemic, ,
Active cases in Iceland 11,744, New Zealand 1,241 Faroe Islands 4,690, Greenland 7,392
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized - Covid peak ”not far away”

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 27, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 27, 2022)
The new normal: New Zealand traces for shift from Covid zero to Covid acceptance (The Guardian, Jan 26, 2022)
Omicron: Modelling suggests NZ could face peak of 80,000 daily infections (RNZ, Jan 27, 2022)

[dann]

Thursday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 27, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,544 (15,778) 41,791* 103 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 631 (3,674) 51,033* 37 *of 233,419 tests (21.86%); 1st dose 82.56% of pop., 2nd 80.73%, 3rd 60.15%
Finland: 346 (1,919) 6,271 52
Norway: 262 (1,439) 24,288 50
Iceland: 133 (46) 1,567 3 - Precisely two years of covid: all the latest
Active cases in Iceland 11,592, New Zealand 1,320 Faroe Islands 4,730, Greenland 7,593
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 28, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 28, 2022)
Active cases at border hit record highs of more than 700 (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 27, 2022)

[dann]

Denmark has now surrendered completely to Omicron and covidiocy!

Quote:

En gravsten over corona (DR2.dk on Facebook)
Men så er der jo kommet denne her omikron-varianten, som du snakkede om, før du sagde 'en vaccine sent fra himlen', men det er faktisk også naturen svar på en vaccine sendt fra himlen, fordi når den er så mild og ikke fremkalder sygdom, så vaccinerer den os faktisk de rigtige steder, i lungerne, så vi har et stærkt panser mod de næste varianter, som vil komme.
https://www.facebook.com/DR2Deadline...-IOS_GK0T-GK1C

A tombstone for corona
But then we have this Omicron variant that you talked about before, calling it 'a vaccine sent from heaven', but it is actually also nature's answer to a vaccine sent from heaven, because when it is so mild and does not cause any disease, it actually vaccinates us in the right places, in the lungs, so that we have a strong armor against the next variants that are bound to appear.

Yes, there is not much reason to doubt that the new variants will appear. It would be interesting to know why the covidiot thinks that they won't be able to break through the immunity from vaccinations and infections. Omicron has been pretty good at it, so far.
And the relatives to the 18 Covid-19 deaths registered in Denmark today would probably like to hear more about Omicron being so mild that it doesn't make people sick.

In the meantime
Overlæger i opråb: - Vi kan ikke nå at behandle patienter (TV2.dk, Jan 27, 2022)
Chief physicians warn: - We don't have enough time to treat patients

As it turns out, hospitals are short-staffed because an unprecedented number of doctors and nurses have been infected by the virus that allegedly does not make anybody sick.

[dann]

Friday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 28, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,551 (15,855) 55,180* 99 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 635 (3,700) 53,655* 33 *of 246,522 tests (21.76%); 1st dose 82.57% of pop., 2nd 80.77%, 3rd 60.31%
Finland: 350 (1,942) 4,766 52
Norway: 262 (1,439) 21,519 54
Iceland: 133 (46) 1,219 3 - Covid restrictions to ease at midnight, Government to Relax Restrictions At Midnight, Lift Domestic Restrictions By Mid-March
Active cases in Iceland 11,297, New Zealand 1,405 Faroe Islands 4,832, Greenland 7,767
The Faroe Islands have 2 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 29, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 29, 2022)
Omicron cases could double in days - modeller (RNZ, Jan 29, 2022)

[dann]

Covid-19 news from Sweden:

Quote:

* Sweden's Olympic team recorded its first Covid case at the Winter Games after a manager tested positive when he landed in China.
* Johan Flodin first tested positive for the virus after arriving on Thursday. Since then he has been placed in quarantine at a hotel.
* A former Olympic rower himself, Flodin is said to be symptom free and doing well given the circumstances.
Swedish team sees first Covid case at Beijing Winter Olympics (Radio Sweden, Jan 28, 2022)

Quote:

* As Covid cases hit records levels in Sweden, schools are reporting many students and staff absent.
* In a survey by Swedish Radio News, responding schools said about 23 percent of staff and 25 percent of students were away on Monday.
* The head of the Swedish Teachers' Union is critical to the fact that schools are still holding in-person classes with so many off during the pandemic.
Survey shows many absent from schools amid Covid surge (Radio Sweden, Jan 27, 2022)

Quote:

* Health authorities will not recommend Covid vaccines for all children under the age of 12 in Sweden, for now, officials said Thursday.
* The Public Health Agency said children rarely get severely ill from Covid and the medical benefits of immunizing them were low.
* Late last year, the European Medicines Agency approved the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11.
Health agency decides against Covid vaccines for children under 12 (Radio Sweden, Jan 27, 2022)

Quote:

* Sweden will keep its current restrictions in place for two more weeks as it once again records its highest single-day number of confirmed daily Covid cases.
* Officials said if things improve, the restrictions could be removed by February 9, the end of the two week extension.
* Director General of the Public Health Agency Karin Tegmark Wisell said keeping the restrictions would also give more time for people to get a booster dose.
Government extends Covid restrictions for two more weeks (Radio Sweden, Jan 26, 2022)

Quote:

* Since the beginning of the pandemic, far fewer non-emergency operations have been carried out in Sweden, as focus in the healthcare system has been elsewhere.
* Some hospitals in the country are now also being forced to cancel operations due to staff being off sick with Covid-19.
* "This week we have reduced our operation capacity to 70 percent," says Gunnar Enlund, a consultant doctor at Uppsala Akademiska Hospital and one of those responsible for Sweden's National Operation Register.
Pandemic continues to mean delays for non-emergency surgery (Radio Sweden, Jan 26, 2022)

[dann]

Saturday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 29, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,551 (15,855) 55,180* 99 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 1.
Denmark: 638 (3,717) 41,083* 35 *of 208,389 tests (19.71%); 1st dose 82.58% of pop., 2nd 80.81%, 3rd 60.49%
Finland: 350 (1,942) 4,766 52 New numbers on Monday, Jan 31.
Norway: 262 (1,439) 14,970 51
Iceland: 133 (46) 1,219 3 New numbers on Monday, Jan 31.
Active cases in Iceland 11,297, New Zealand 1,497 Faroe Islands 4,791, Greenland 7,861
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 30, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 30, 2022)
PM Jacinda Ardern has Covid-19 test, self-isolating after being confirmed as close contact (Stuff.co.nz, Jan 30, 2022)

[dann]

Sunday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 30, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,551 (15,855) 55,180* 99 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 1.
Denmark: 642 (3,738) 36,196* 35 *of 162,422 tests (22.99%); 1st dose 82.58% of pop., 2nd 80.84%, 3rd 60.56%
Finland: 350 (1,942) 4,766 52 New numbers on Monday, Jan 31.
Norway: 262 (1,439) 14,040 53
Iceland: 133 (46) 1,219 3 New numbers on Monday, Jan 31.
Active cases in Iceland 11,297, New Zealand 1,553 Faroe Islands 4,759, Greenland 7,896
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 31, 2022)
Omicron update (covid19.govt.nz, Jan 31, 2022)

[dann]

Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Jan 31, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,551 (15,855) 55,180* 99 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 1.
Denmark: 642 (3,755) 29,089* 32 *of 109,918 tests (26.46%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.87%, 3rd 60.62%
Finland: 358 (1,990) 14,439* 52 *Since Friday.
Norway: 262 (1,440) 15,988 51
Iceland: 133 (46) 816* 3 *Since Friday. Quarantine Hotels Prepare to Scale Down
Active cases in Iceland 10,577, New Zealand 1,702 Faroe Islands 4,760, Greenland 7,941
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 1, 2022)
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: 126 new community cases across 11 regions as Cabinet meets to discuss reopening borders (NZ Herald, Feb 1, 2022)
Covid backlash sees New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern slump in polls (The Independent, Jan 31, 2022)

[dann]

Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 1, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,562 (15,961) 113,454* 113 *Since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 647 (3,770) 45,366* 28 *of 159,049 tests (28.52%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.9%, 3rd 60.75%
Finland: 358 (1,990) 3,244 52
Norway: 262 (1,440) 23,237 47
Iceland: 133 (46) 1,421 3 - Infection rate still high, but health service coping, Possible further relaxations on Friday, Majority of Icelanders Support Vaccination of Children Aged 5-11
Active cases in Iceland 10,817, New Zealand 1,835 Faroe Islands 4,971, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 2, 2022)

[dann]

Wednesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 2, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,568 (16,028) 39,205* 111 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 651 (3,790) 55,001* 26 *of 204,652 tests (26.88%); 1st dose 82.58% of pop., 2nd 80.9%, 3rd 60.85%
Finland: 362 (2,012) 8,038 37
Norway: 267 (1,467) 23,299 47
Iceland: 136 (47) 1,379 3 - Hospital alert drops and new leader appointed, Restrictions in Iceland Might Be Lifted Sooner Than Planned
Active cases in Iceland 10,652, New Zealand 1,974 Faroe Islands 4,822 Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 0 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 3, 2022)
Booster interval reduced to three months (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 2, 2022)
Covid: New Zealand unveils phased border reopening plan (BBC News, Feb 3, 2022)

[dann]

Thursday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 3, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,575 (16,100) 36,541* 116 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 654 (3,811) 44,225* 27 *of 116,203 tests (26.61%); 1st dose 82.58% of pop., 2nd 80.92%, 3rd 60.92%
Finland: 367 (2,041) 6,788 37
Norway: 267 (1,467) 21,804 48
Iceland: 136 (47) 1,440 3 - Iceland slowest to relax covid rules?, No More One-Metre Distancing Requirement for Seated Events
Active cases in Iceland 10,485, New Zealand 2,179 Faroe Islands 4,898, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 1 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 4, 2022)
Boosters and increased mask-use to prepare for Omicron (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 4, 2022)
Border reopening for New Zealanders confirmed for end of February - what you need to know (RNC, Feb 3, 2022)

[dann]

Friday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 4, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,583 (16,180) 28,129* 106 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 657 (3,828) 40,179* 33 *of 164,933 tests (24.36%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.94%, 3rd 60.99%
Finland: 371 (2,058) 6,952 37
Norway: 267 (1,467) 20,856 46
Iceland: 142 (49) 1,214 3 - Shorter isolation, and early relaxations likely, COVID-19 Isolation to Shorten to Five Days
Active cases in Iceland 10,372, New Zealand 2,388 Faroe Islands 4,870, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 4 hospitalized - Fourth booster shots now available

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 5, 2022)
243 new cases in the community, NZ's highest daily total so far (Stuff.co.nz, Feb 5, 2022)
‘We’re all nervous’: NZ’s Covid tsar Chris Hipkins admits uncertainty over border reopening (The Guardian, Feb 4, 2022)

[dann]

Sweden:

Quote:

* After the delays in waiting for the Covid-19 vaccine last year, Sweden and its Nordic neighbours are now looking into starting joint vaccine production facilities to be prepared for future pandemics.
* A feasibility study is to be carried out for completion in May.
* "It's about trying to find a solution so that in a future pandemic when we need it we have a greater and better capacity to be able to quickly provide our citizens with vaccines," says Minister of Trade and Industry Karl-Petter Thorwaldsson to news agency TT.
Nordics considering joint vaccine production (RadioSweden, Feb 4, 2022)

Quote:

* The decision to discontinue the restrictions was motivated by high vaccination coverage and that knowledge about the omicron variant has improved, the government says.
* Health minister Lena Hallengren says that to try to prevent a new jump in the number of cases, the return to workplaces and universities should happen in stages.
* Limits on audience sizes will be removed, restaurants and cafes won't need to follow distance rules or limit the size of groups, and specific rules for sports events and private parties in rented venues will be scrapped.
Sweden to lift almost all Covid-19 restrictions from February 9th (RadioSweden, Feb 3, 2022)

Quote:

* Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson's announcement that Sweden will be lifting the majority of its Covid-19 restrictions next week was met largely with relief among people Radio Sweden interviewed this morning.
I* n Gustavsberg, outside central Stockholm, there was a feeling that the the time is right to lift restrictions although life will not yet go back to normal.
* "I get back some freedom to meet friends and do what I want," one man says.'Good to have a life again' say some, following government press conference (RadioSweden, Feb 3, 2022)

Quote:

* Professor Stefan Einhorn at the Karolinska Institute tells Radio Sweden that the government announcement to lift pandemic restrictions is "unfortunate" considering the level of infections.
* Einhorn, a cancer specialist, has also done virus research and was one of 22 scientists who criticized Sweden's Covid-19 handling early in the pandemic, and who have continued their criticism over the past two years.
* "The more people are infected with omicron, the higher the risk of new mutations", he says.
Professor critical of lifted restrictions: "Unfortunate and premature" (RadioSweden, Feb 3, 2022)

Quote:

* Sweden will scrap most of its Covid restrictions next week, as officials says the pandemic isn't over but is entering a "new phase".
Some are critical of the decision, but Matti Sällberg, vaccine researcher and professor at the Karolinska institute, says he thinks the decision by the government and Public Health Agency is reasonable.
"This is a virus we will have to to live with, like the annual flu", he told Radio Sweden.
Decision to remove Covid restrictions "reasonable" (RadioSweden, Feb 3, 2022)

Quote:

* The Public Health Agency is once again reducing the interval between the second and booster third Covid-19 vaccine doses.
* The reason for this reduction is because Covid-19 is spreading so much throughout the whole country, the agency says.
* State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell tells Swedish Radio News that it does not make a huge difference for individuals, who still have very good protection, but it does make a difference on the population level.
Interval between Covid vaccine doses reduced to three months
(RadioSweden, Feb 1, 2022)

Quote:

* Swedish Radio's sports department has at the last minute decided not have its Winter Olympics studio in Beijing, after some technical staff already in the Chinese capital had to go into quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19.
* The hosts of the Olympic programming will now stay in Sweden, from where the shows will be broadcast.
* "We've got reporters on-site to do interviews", says Markus Boger, head of the sports department, adding that it's unfortunate not to have everyone in Beijing as originally planned.
Covid forces Swedish Radio to broadcast Winter Olympics from home (RadioSweden, Jan 31, 2022)

[dann]

Saturday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 5, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,583 (16,180) 28,129* 106 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 8.
Denmark: 663 (3,863) 39,190* 31 *of 172,727 tests (22.69%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.96%, 3rd 61.07%
Finland: 371 (2,058) 6,952* 37 *New numbers on Monday, Feb 7.
Norway: 267 (1,467) 13,143 47
Iceland: 142 (49) 1,214* 3 *New numbers on Monday, Feb 7.
Active cases in Iceland 10,372, New Zealand 2,519, Faroe Islands 4,972, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 4 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 6, 2022)
Covid 19: 'I urge people not to panic'- Chris Hipkins on daily record numbers (NZ Herald, Feb 5, 2022)

[dann]

Sunday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 6, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,583 (16,180) 28,129* 106 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 8.
Denmark: 666 (3,881) 36,512* 34 *of 140,398 tests (26.01%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.97%, 3rd 61.10%
Finland: 371 (2,058) 6,952* 37 *New numbers on Monday, Feb 7.
Norway: 267 (1,467) 10,172 45
Iceland: 142 (49) 1,214* 3 *New numbers on Monday, Feb 7.
Active cases in Iceland 10,372, New Zealand 2,707, Faroe Islands 4,907, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 4 hospitalized - World’s highest per capita number of Covid cases

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 7, 2022)
Covid-19 Omicron outbreak: Michael Baker suggests a move away from daily case numbers (NZ Herald, Feb 6, 2022)
What does the red light setting actually do to combat the Omicron outbreak? (Stuff.co.nz, Feb 7, 2022)

[dann]

The Nordics - according to Our World in Data:
Daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases per million people
Daily new confirmed COVID-19 deaths per million people
Cumulative confirmed COVID-19 deaths per million people

Notice the very conspicuous difference between cases and deaths, which reflects, on the one hand, the difference in the level of testing:
Daily COVID-19 tests per thousand people
The share of COVID-19 tests that are positive
And on the other hand, the level of vaccinations:
Share of people vaccinated against COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccine boosters administered per 100 people
COVID-19 vaccine initial doses and boosters per 100 people

[dann]

Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 7, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,583 (16,180) 28,129* 106 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 8.
Denmark: 671 (3,907) 34,849* 31 *of 120,393 tests (28.95%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.98%, 3rd 61.14%
Finland: 377 (2,095) 19,898* 37 *Since Friday.
Norway: 267 (1,467) 17,652 45
Iceland: 145 (50) 1,367* 3 *Since Friday.
Active cases in Iceland 11,610, New Zealand 2,880, Faroe Islands 4,736, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 6 hospitalized -

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 8, 2022)
Omicron won't be the end of Covid pandemic - Ardern (RNZ, Feb 8, 2022)
New high-risk locations revealed, Omicron cases to peak in March as more schools hit by virus (NZ Herald, Feb 7, 2022)
Cases pop up in multiple school communities as students settle into class (NZ Herald, Feb 7, 2022)

[dann]

Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 7
8, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,589 (16,244) 66,670* 106 *Since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 674 (3,927) 49,798* 31 *of 156,693 tests (31.78%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 80.99%, 3rd 61.21%
Finland: 378 (2,097) 7,472 37
Norway: 267 (1,467) 26,109 45
Iceland: 145 (50) 1,294 2
Active cases in Iceland 11,111, New Zealand 3,035, Faroe Islands 4,878, Greenland 8,054
The Faroe Islands have 6 hospitalized -

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 9, 2022)
More schools rocked by cases, new five-year vaccine under way (NZ Herald, Feb 9, 2022)
Big outbreak predicted as PM warns 'prepare for winter' (NZ Herald, Feb 8, 2022)

[dann]

Wedesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 9, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,600 (16,358) 18,093* 93 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 678 (3,948) 55,120* 34 *of 177,917 tests (30.98%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81%, 3rd 61.26%
Finland: 383 (2,126) 4,520 37
Norway: 275 (1,512) 25,086 26
Iceland: 145 (50) 2,254 2 - Covid infection record smashed yesterday, Hospitality aid approved, and early relaxation likely
Active cases in Iceland 10,100, New Zealand 3,285, Faroe Islands 4,831
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized - Hospitals feeling the strain of Covid

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 10, 2022)
Clashes at New Zealand parliament as protests inspired by Canada's 'Freedom Convoy' continue for third day (ABC News, Feb 10, 2022)
Omicron to slam a health system at ‘breaking point’ (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 9, 2022)

[dann]

Sweden

Quote:

Sweden scrapped almost all of its few pandemic restrictions on Wednesday and stopped most testing for Covid-19, even as the pressure on the health care systems remained high and some scientists begged for more patience in fighting the disease.
Sweden scraps almost all restrictions and testing despite pleas from scientists (The Guardian, Feb 9, 2022)

Quote:

* Although most corona restrictions are lifted today, Covid-19 continues to be a main concern for the country's regional health care officers.
* The pressure on the health care sector remains high in many parts of the country, not least because a lot of staff are ill themselves.
* "The virus is still out there, so I appeal to everybody's common sense: you still need to think smart to avoid spreading the virus," says Lisa Labbé Sandelin, county medical officer in Kalmar county.
County medical officer: "The virus is still out there" (RadioSweden, Feb 9, 2022)

Quote:

* Most coronavirus restrictions in Sweden have been lifted, today, Wednesday.
* Three recommendations remain: Those aged 12 or above should get vaccinated against Covid, those with symptoms should stay home and unvaccinated adults should avoid crowds and large indoor gatherings.
* Also, the rules for entering Sweden change. There are no more travel restrictions for those arriving from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, covid passes and negative tests are no longer needed. An entry ban still applies to travelers from other countries, though, unless they fall under an exception.
Almost all restrictions lifted in Sweden today (RadioSweden, Feb 9, 2022)

Quote:

* Sweden will lift its pandemic regulations for visitors from Nordic and EU/EEA countries, the government confirmed Monday.
* Starting Wednesday, visitors to Sweden from those countries will no longer need to show proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or a negative Covid test result to enter the country.
* Travel restrictions will remain for so-called third countries, outside the EU/EEA, until March 31.
Sweden to remove travel restrictions on Nordic, EU nations (RadioSweden, Feb 7, 2022)

[dann]

Thursday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 10, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,604 (16,395) 16,968* 95 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 683 (3,977) 53,747* 33 *of 172,183 tests (31.22%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.02%, 3rd 61.32%
Finland: 385 (2,141) 12,805 37
Norway: 276 (1,513) 24,448 26
Iceland: 151 (52) 2,254 2 - Over 2,000 positives for second day in a row
Active cases in Iceland 9,733, New Zealand 3,660, Faroe Islands 4,700, Greenland 8,565
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 11, 2022)
Experts react to record 306 community cases today (NZ Herald, Feb 10, 2022)

[dann]

Friday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 11, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,614 (16,501) 7,725* 97 *according to SVT.se
Denmark: 687 (4,001) 48,170* 33 *of 166,220 tests (28.98%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.03%, 3rd 61.37%
Finland: 391 (2,170) 10,386 37
Norway: 276 (1,513) 23,071 26
Iceland: 157 (54) 1,800 3 - Further covid relaxations from midnight, PCR tests taking up to three days
Active cases in Iceland 10,241, New Zealand 4,059, Faroe Islands 4,793, Greenland 8,641
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 12, 2022)
Parliament protest - Speaker Trevor Mallard plays Barry Manilow, Macarena over loud speakers to deter crowd (NZ Herald, Feb 12, 2022) Cruel and unusual punishment

[dann]

Saturday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 12, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,614 (16,501) 7,725* 97 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 15.
Denmark: 693 (4,038) 44,350* 33 *of 171,254 tests (25.9%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.04%, 3rd 61.41%
Finland: 391 (2,170) 10,386 37 New numbers on Monday, Feb 14.
Norway: 276 (1,513) 14,453 27
Iceland: 157 (54) 1,800 3 New numbers on Monday, Feb 14
Active cases in Iceland 10,241, New Zealand 4,059, Faroe Islands 4,835, Greenland 8,641
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 13, 2022)

[dann]

Quote:

On the same date that Denmark and Norway announced their decisions to scrap COVID-19 measures, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a press conference most regions of the world were undergoing a “very worrying increase in deaths” due to the introduction of the omicron variant.
“More transmission means more deaths,” he explained. “We are not calling for any country to return to a so-called lockdown. But we are calling on all countries to protect their people using every tool in the toolkit – not vaccines alone.”
“It’s premature for any country either to surrender or to declare victory,” Tedros warned.
Sweden, Denmark and Norway lift COVID-19 restrictions, the WHO warns it's too soon (Interesting Engineering, Feb 13, 2022)

The WHO is right.

[dann]

Sunday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 13, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,614 (16,501) 7,725* 97 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 15.
Denmark: 698 (4,068) 38,323* 25 *of 132,949 tests (28.83%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.06%, 3rd 61.44%
Finland: 391 (2,170) 10,386 37 New numbers on Monday, Feb 14.
Norway: 276 (1,513) 11,374 25
Iceland: 157 (54) 1,800 3 New numbers on Monday, Feb 14
Active cases in Iceland 10,241, New Zealand 5,656, Faroe Islands 4,719, Greenland 8,641
The Faroe Islands have 7 hospitalized - Expert: up to 90% will get Covid

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 14, 2022)
NZ Covid outbreak ‘like nothing we’ve experienced’, Ardern says, as cases skyrocket (The Guardian, Feb 14, 2022)

[dann]

Monday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 14, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,614 (16,501) 7,725* 97 *according to SVT.se New numbers on Tuesday, Feb 15.
Denmark: 705 (4,109) 29,474* 25 *of 91,636 tests (32.16%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.06%, 3rd 61.47%
Finland: 399 (2,214) 12,410 37 Since Friday
Norway: 276 (1,513) 14,058 25
Iceland: 159 (55) 1,890 3 Since Friday
Active cases in Iceland 16,387, New Zealand 6,303, Faroe Islands 4,705, Greenland 8,660
The Faroe Islands have 7 hospitalized - Fourth booster shots only for high-risk groups

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 15, 2022)
We’re underestimating Omicron’s spread – epidemiologist (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 12, 2022)
Protests show we must boost cognitive herd immunity (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 14, 2022)
EXTREMISM - ‘Splintered realities’: How NZ convoy lost its way (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 12, 2022)
Beware politicians who ‘bright side’ scientific advice (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 8, 2022)

[dann]

Denmark:

Quote:

Not looking good in Denmark (Eric Topol on Twitter, Feb 13, 2022)
https://twitter.com/erictopol/status...24522730639364

See Our-World-in-Data graphs in the tweet.

Quote:

So are we really sure we want to rush to remove all Covid restrictions? (Paul Krugman on Twitter, Feb 13, 2022)
https://twitter.com/paulkrugman/stat...81616909348870

See Our-World-in-Data graph of daily new confirmed Danish cases in the tweet.

Danish heath-care authorities are busy trying to argue against them. The sensible Danish epidemiologists appear to have been sidelined.

A thread from an advocate of the current Danish strategy: https://twitter.com/M_B_Petersen/sta...92005281628160
But the thread is two weeks old, and since then the number of daily new confirmed Covid-19 deaths per million people has been increasing rapidly - like in Sweden: http://www.internationalskeptics.com...2#post13724752

And the number of new daily cases has become increasingly unreliable because even the high level of testing in Denmark can't catch up with them, which is reflected in the growing percentage of positive cases, yesterday 32.16%. See posts above.

[dann]

Tuesday:
Coronavirus - countries (Worldometers, Feb 15, 2022)
Deaths per million (Total deaths) New cases Serious/Critical
Sweden: 1,622 (16,579) 11,751* 92 *Since Friday, according to SVT.se
Denmark: 711 (4,139) 42,978* 31 *of 130,563 tests (32.92%); 1st dose 82.59% of pop., 2nd 81.06%, 3rd 61.51%
Finland: 399 (2,214) 2,215 37
Norway: 276 (1,513) 18,875 23
Iceland: 162 (56) 1,712 2
Active cases in Iceland 16,387, New Zealand 7,365, Faroe Islands 4,385, Greenland 8,658
The Faroe Islands have 5 hospitalized

New Zealand:
Update on COVID-19 cases (covid19.govt.nz, Feb 16, 2022)
Testing centres under pressure, Minister urges tell those just a 'bit worried' not to go (NZ Herald, Feb 15, 2022)
Is it safe to eat out? Kiwis determine own risk as cases spike (Newsroom.co.nz, Feb 16, 2022)