Swedish News, March 24:

Random tests to determine the Swedish corona curve. Over 20 vaccines under development. Several new deaths in Sweden. Hundreds may need intensive care in Sweden. Travel restrictions lifted in China. 

  • Restrictions on the Chinese city of Wuhan remain but travel restrictions are being lifted for people who feel healthy in the province of Hubei.
  • Random tests to determine the Swedish corona curve
    A randomly selected group will be tested for the corona virus to give a picture of the spread of infection in the country. The tests will start this week and a randomly selected group of around 1,000 people will be tested. "The reason is not to know exactly how many people have been infected, but where we are on the development curve we see ahead of us and, in the long term how large the infected proportion of the population will be," Anders Tegnell at the Public Health Authority says. The Tests will first be conducted in Stockholm where the spread of the virus is considered to be greatest.

  • Midtown Manhattan, not a typical day due to the city being the U.S. Covid-19 epicenter.
  • Over 20 vaccines under development
    More than 20 vaccines are currently in development according to WHO. Although human testing has already begun, it could take up to 18 months for a vaccine to be approved for widespread use. Every new vaccine needs to be properly tested for safety and efficacy. The only thing more dangerous than a bad virus is a bad vaccine, Dr. Mike Ryan, emergency program executive director at the World Health Organization said, "We have to be very, very, very careful in developing any product that we’re going to inject into potentially most of the world's population."

  • Help each other to the extent possible in the community while still avoiding direct contact. Deliver food and other supplies to elderly friends or relatives that may be isolated. Wash your hands often, stay inside to the extent possible, listen to the scientists and recommendations by health care professionals.
  • Hundreds may need intensive care in Sweden
    Between 500 and 1,000 people may need intensive care when the situation is at its worst, the Public Health Authority estimates. The pressure on healthcare will increase sharply in the future, and different regions will have their peak at different times, according to a model based on developments in Italy and China. At present, however, it appears that health care will cope with the increase, according to state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell.

  • Travel restrictions lifted in China
    From midnight local time, travel restrictions are lifted in Hubei Province in China. People who feel healthy are free to leave the province. The province, where the city of Wuhan is located, is the worst affected in China by the corona virus. However, the restrictions on Wuhan remain in effect until April 7. Life in the multimillion city has already begun to return to normal. Residents can move around freely and many employees have returned to work with permission from employers.

  • Several new deaths in Sweden
    On Monday, twelve new deaths in Sweden were linked to the coronavirus. A total of 33 people in Sweden have now died. On Monday evening, Stockholm reported six new deaths over the past 24 hours. Three other deaths occurred in Uppsala, two in Sörmland and one in Dalarna.

  • Swedish ski resorts will stay open over Easter
    Swedish ski resorts are allowed to stay open during Easter, according to a press announcement by the Director General of Public Health. He warns, however, for unnecessary travel over the Easter holiday.

  • Hundreds of trials postponed
    About 750 trials, including 380 at Stockholm County Courts, have been suspended because of the coronavirus. Most were due to the involved parties being unable to show up.

  • Children stopped from attending preschools
    To reduce the pressure on staff, several municipalities have decided to stop children of the unemployed and those on parental leave from attending preschool during the coronavirus pandemic.

  • Restrictions on bar services
    New restrictions are now being introduced in the work against the corona virus. From March 25 only table service is allowed in restaurants, cafes and bars. The restriction affects only bars that do not have seating areas.

  • Major increase in digital doctor visits
    The corona virus has caused a record increase in the number of digital doctor visits. The largest private alternative, KRY, sees a doubling in Europe. The largest increase is among the elderly, according to the company. Eighteen of Sweden’s 21 healthcare regions have their own digital apps. They see a large increase in the number of cases as well.