Wed May 06, 2020 8:16 pm
Sweden nears 'horrifying' death toll of 3,000 from coronavirus with 87 new fatalities, including a child under ten
Swedens death toll rising significantly in last week
State epidemiologist Anders Tegnell called it 'a horrifyingly large number'
Among them child under ten was reported to have succumbed in intensive care
Tegnell said death was being looked at but assured public it was highly unusual
Sweden has taken a markedly softer approach to the rest of Europe, keeping schools, cafes, bars, restaurants and businesses to stay open
Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
By ROSS IBBETSON FOR MAILONLINE and AFP
PUBLISHED: 17:12 BST, 6 May 2020 | UPDATED: 20:37 BST, 6 May 2020
Sweden is nearing the 'horrifying' death toll of 3,000 from coronavirus, with 87 new fatalities, including a child under ten.
The Scandinavian country, which has taken a softer approach to containing the virus, reported another 87 deaths, compared to 85 fatalities the day before. There were another 702 cases, compared to 495 on Tuesday, taking its total to 23,918.
'We are starting to near 3,000 deceased, a horrifyingly large number,' state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a press conference.
Among them, according to Aftonbladet, a child aged under ten who had been in intensive care. Tegnell told the paper it was investigating the death but would not confirm whether it was as a result of COVID-19.
Thu May 07, 2020 7:18 pm
Sweden's death toll passes 3,000
Sweden has recorded another 99 coronavirus-related deaths, taking the total to 3,040.
Senior health official Anders Tegnell has faced criticism for not imposing the strict lockdown measures seen in neighbouring countries but he reiterated his defence of the strategy at a news briefing on Thursday.
"The curves show that we have, to a large extent, been successful in keeping (the outbreak) within the limits of what the healthcare system can manage," he told reporters.
Swedes can still go to bars and restaurants, but are urged to maintain strict social distancing and hygiene routines. The country has also kept schools open for children under the age of 16.