Success of Scandinavia’s coronavirus strategy

By Anxo Lamela/Juanjo Galán

Copenhagen/Helsinki, Apr 27 (efe-epa).- Scandinavian governments have received a lot of support for their management of the coronavirus pandemic.

Their strategies have featured transparent and open communication and with experts playing a leading role, which has not left much space for fake news or criticism of authorities.

Norway, Finland, Denmark and Sweden all rank highly in a global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and have used their traditional openness to communicate the restrictions imposed during the crisis.

None of these countries have put their populations into full lockdown but all have imposed restrictions on mobility and social distancing measures.

Denmark and Norway implemented the strictest conditions and are now in the process of slowly reopening their countries after successfully containing the spread of the contagion.

Recent polls have shown growing support for governments in Nordic countries, where the population generally has a high level of trust in their authorities.

Communications expert Anders Dybdal, co-founder of Danish independent centre-left think tank Cevea, told Efe: “There is great trust in governments, authorities and the media, which makes it easier to manage some situations.

“That trust is what makes the Danes one of the best following the recommendations.”

Denmark was one of the first countries in Europe to close its institutions and borders and limit public gatherings in mid-March.

Its government, led by Social Democrat Mette Frederiksen, was also the first in the European Union to reopen nurseries and schools.