Days of our lives during the Coronavirus pandemic

It started to snow again.

For the last two weeks, it did not snow. In fact the temperature was constantly above 2°c. Streets were very slippery.  Movements were difficult. With the risk of sounding weird, I say this, I was kind of hoping it snows again. 

COVID-19 hit the world like a slow paced storm. It reached Norrbotten County three weeks back. But I have not heard anyone effected in Luleå. 

Our life is still normal here. Luleå is a quite city. It has gone a little quieter. Wafiq’s school is open, grocery shops have supplies, buses operate as usual and restaurants are in business. Health authorities imposed a ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people. But I hardly saw 50 people in bars, cafes and restaurants even before the COVID-19 pandemic. So for Luleå, nothing much have changed as of yet. However, social distancing is being advocated and anyone displaying symptoms consistent with the corona virus is asked to stay at home and avoid all non-essential social contacts. 

The university shifted to online classes and exams though. 

Unlike other European countries, Sweden adopted a somewhat relaxed approach in facing the COVID-19, assuming that overreaction would bring more damage than under-reaction. The Swedish government predicts far fewer hospitalisations of patients than predicted in other countries, including Norway and Denmark.

The prime minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven, in a rare public address on 22 March, called on all Swedes to accept individual responsibility in stopping the rapid spread of the virus.

Sweden follows an open and trade-dependent economy. And I think it was facing a recession even before the COVID-19 struck. Local currency faced constant devaluation against USD for last four years.  The policymakers perhaps do not want the domestic demand to be hit on top of that. A complete lockdown will lead to unemployment, uncertainties and a massive economic downfall. The policymakers are probably trying to avoid that. They want to take the short time bash in order to save the economy in the long run. But they will surely shift the gear if situation gets worse. Time will tell.

I feel happy today because I can go for an afternoon walk as the walkways are less slippery.  I am confident we shall pass this COVID-19 pandemic. It may take months, but we shall pass. And in the meantime, we humans need to develop our immune system. Thus I will drink a glass of lemon juice after the afternoon walk today! I hope you walk and drink a lot of vitamin C too.