Trump: Sweden ‘paying heavily’ for not imposing coronavirus lockdown

President Trump pointed out that Sweden is “paying heavily” for its decision not to lock down as coronavirus deaths in the Scandanavian country begin to rise.

“Despite reports to the contrary, Sweden is paying heavily for its decision not to lockdown. As of today, 2462 people have died there, a much higher number than the neighboring countries of Norway (207), Finland (206) or Denmark (443),” the president wrote in a tweet on Thursday. “The United States made the correct decision!”

Unlike many of its Nordic neighbors and other countries in Europe, Sweden did not impose strict restrictions on its citizens and allowed many businesses, including restaurants and hair salons, and schools to remain open.

By contrast, Finland declared a state of emergency on March 16 and shut down schools, restaurants and bars on April 1, and Denmark announced the first round of closures on March 11.

Sweden’s death rate per 1 million population — 244 — is significantly higher than Finland, 37, Denmark, 76, and Norway, 38, according to worldometers, which has been tracking the number of worldwide cases.

Finland has 4,995 cases, Norway has 7,710 and Denmark has 9,158.

Sweden, with a population of 10.3 million, has 20,301 cases.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday praised Sweden as a “model” for fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s top emergencies expert, said Wednesday there are “lessons to be learned” from the Scandinavian nation, which has largely relied on citizens to self-regulate. “I think there’s a perception out that Sweden has not put in control measures and just has allowed the disease to spread,” Ryan told reporters. “Nothing can be further from the truth.”

Trump earlier this month announced guidelines for governors to follow to begin opening their states on Friday.