Sweden’s unique approach to COVID-19 pandemic has been interesting news in many international media. Some people find the not full lockdown strategy is too risky, but how is actually the living experience during this pandemic time in Stockholm? This article is based on my experiences as an international student in Stockholm.
No lockdown but recommend doing self-quarantine
Honestly, I feel lucky to live in Stockholm during this outbreak. Why? First, no lockdown strategy allows people to enjoy fresh air outside. Second, Stockholm has many green places that ease the self-quarantine time. Living close to the lake, beach, and forest has saved my sanity during self-quarantine. Many activities were cancelled, so I spent my time feeding duck or walking into the woods after I attended the online classes.
Photo taken at Lappis in Stockholm
Social distancing and physical distancing
As you see a meme above, social distancing and physical distancing are social norms for Swedes. When WHO recommends people to these distancing rules, people have been trained a long time before the coronavirus outbreak. Now, everyone normalizes the Swedes’ social norms globally. But it is easy to apply this in Sweden compared to countries who have huge populations.
Not obligated to wear a face mask
I can understand why the Swedish government does not require people to wear a face mask in public. Everyone has good awareness that if they are sick, they must stay at home. So, people assume that no one should wear a face mask in public if they are healthy. Universities are doing virtual learning and many offices are sending their employees working from home, this leads to decreased traffic and people have more space to do social and physical distancing farther. So, not wearing a face mask is not a huge problem here. In fact, I barely find stores that sell a face mask.
Cafés, restaurants, and shopping places are still open
In late March, we were asked to stay at home unless you have something important to do outside like groceries shopping. I have to admit that I went to a café in Sodermalm. The café was full of people. The most interesting part was some older people enjoyed their cup of coffee in the café. The fact that they belong to a vulnerable group did not make them scared about the virus.
The café, restaurants, and shopping places are still open but have early close hours. These places also put social distancing rules in the seat arrangement.
The gathering is allowed for a maximum 50 people
It is quite uncommon that people can still make a gathering event for a maximum of 50 people. The reality is I have not found any physical gathering event so far.
No one cannot miss the sunny day
Sweden has a long dark winter, which the sunny days are so precious. As an international student coming from Indonesia, which is a tropical country, I am always excited to see weather forecasts with sun symbols. I can relate how Swedes love to spend their times outside during the bright day. No wonder why parks, beaches, cafés, restaurants, and other public places will be filled by people when the weather is good.
Photo taken at Tanto Strandbad area in Stockholm
As I mentioned above, social and physical distancing are Swedes social norms, but it only applies to strangers, not to friends or families. See the picture; they only do group distancing with strangers.
What does the government do? They put many social distancing reminders in public places such as posters, stickers, and graphic videos. People are urged to be responsible for themselves and others.
Photo taken at Tanto Strandbad area in Stockholm
Overall, I feel living normally in Stockholm, especially during this pandemic time. Although there is no lockdown, I feel safe and secure here. If anyone asked me, which country I want to live during the COVID-19 outbreak? I would definitely mention Sweden despite its controversial strategy.
Source photo: This is how you use public transportation in Sweden
Novita Supardi
Master in Marketing
Stockholm University
Editor: Annusyirvan Ahmad Fatoni