Why Sweden Tightened Its Light-Touch Covid Rules

Sweden’s hands-off response to Covid-19, shunning lockdowns while neighboring countries imposed restrictions, sparked controversy from the outset. Even as death rates surged in early 2020, Sweden kept stores, restaurants and most schools open. It did ban public gatherings of more than 50 people and a few restaurants were ordered to close temporarily, but most measures carried little legal weight. While many people complied initially, they were less willing when the second wave hit in November, f