The pandemic law is over – but the fear of a new wave of infection is growing

The pandemic law is over – but the fear of a new wave of infection is growing

However, fears are growing that infections may increase dramatically again. Vaccine expert Farshid Jalalvand points out that it is essential that Sweden is properly prepared for the further spread of infection.

It could happen again

During the use of the microwave, when many did not become seriously ill, large parts of society remained paralyzed for a long time because many were at home sick. It can happen again in the winter when our immunity wanes, and there could be another infectious variant, says DN.

The microbiologist stresses that the virus is still present in the community and that there can be a significant increase in the number of cases in the fall and winter.

You must have a plan

It is suggested that Sweden should plan in advance for such a scenario.

We have to have some kind of plan if many people get sick and need to stay home. In addition, we must help the global vaccination campaign so that places that have not vaccinated their population can do so. There is an association with new variants occurring in settings with low vaccination coverage. The more people protected around the world, the lower the risk of the new variant, says DN.

Great vaccination coverage

In Sweden, nearly 85 percent of the population has taken at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The number of vaccinated with three doses is estimated to be just over 63 percent, according to statistics from the Public Health Agency.

Although vaccination coverage is generally high among the population, there are still more than 1 million people over the age of 12 who have not been vaccinated. To reduce the risk of new waves of infection spreading and that people will suffer severe consequences as a result of covid-19, more people need to accept the offer of vaccination, Public Health Agency Deputy Division Chief Sarah Byforce says in a statement.

Spreads a new variant

In countries with lower vaccination coverage, a new type of virus has been reported, which is said to be more contagious than previous variants.

The new variant, BA.2, accounts for 86 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the world, according to the WHO.

closes again

The increasing spread of infection has led many countries in Asia to once again shut down their societies.

In mid-March, South Korea reported a record number of coronavirus deaths in the country.

Earlier this week, the Chinese authorities decided to impose a lockdown in the multi-million dollar city of Shanghai due to the increased spread of infection.

Photography: M. Majnoun opposite Farshid Jalaland

Text: Editors