Record deaths in SwedenSweden has recorded its highest death tally in 150 years during the first six months of 2020.
While its neighbours clamped down to control covid-19, Sweden allowed schools, bars and salons to remain open. Between January and June, 51,405 deaths were registered, 15% more than the same period in 2019, its statistics office said.
This is the highest number of deaths in six months since 1869, when Sweden experienced a famine and 55,431 people died. Deaths were about 10% higher than the average for the period over the past five years.
Covid-19 has claimed 4,500 lives from January to June, and over 5,800 to date. The death toll is higher than its Nordic neighbours, which opted for tougher lockdown measures.