The Swedish Public Health Agency early decided against lockdowns and quarantining the population. Most people suffer few complications from COVID-19 or are asymptomatic. Without a vaccine or cure available in the foreseeable future, there is no stopping of the infection. Sweden therefore focused on protecting the old and the frail while "flattening the curve" and expanding healthcare capacity. 

The Swedes' comparatively lax policy has allowed schools and businesses to remain open, but high schools and colleges are closed, nursing homes prohibit visitors, public gatherings are capped at 50 people, and there are social distancing rules in place for restaurants. High-risk groups are recommended to self-isolate while the virus runs its course. 

Sweden's policy might seem heartless from the perspective of the pandemic only, but its approach seeks a "golden middle" between evils – and it appears to be working.

Dr. Mike Ryan, the WHO's top emergencies expert, recently lauded the approach, saying "Sweden represents a model if we wish to get back to a society in which we don't have lockdowns."