Sweden’s Second Wave Offers Hard Reality Check
Europeans are learning the hard way that there is no perfect lockdown “model.” Everyone’s made mistakes.
A socially distanced Christmas.
Photographer: Jonathan NAckstrand/AFP via Getty Images
Every country has at one point dared to believe they’ve figured out how to beat SARS-CoV-2, until reality sets in.
The U.K.’s misguided flirtation with a hands-off “herd immunity” strategy in March led quickly to a U-turn and tough restrictions. France and Spain promised they’d never repeat the draconian lockdowns they imposed early on — only to break their vow when test-and-trace systems failed to keep pace with summer vacation contagion. Israelis, who after a first lockdown were told to enjoy life and “have a beer,” are now facing a third one. Donald Trump recently claimed he’d ended the pandemic (he hadn’t).