The Briefing Room

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BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Briefing Room: Sweden and the Pandemic

Sweden and the Pandemic

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, Sweden and the Pandemic

Sweden decided not to lockdown like other countries - was it the right decision?

Sweden decided not to lockdown to fight Covid-19 - was it the right decision? David Aaronovitch explores how the Swedish experience compares with other countries.

Sweden decided not to lockdown like other countries - was it the right decision?

David Aaronovitch explores the Swedish experience of the pandemic and reveals that, for a country which didn't officially lockdown, it still introduced significant changes to everyday life, from school closures to social distancing and the cancellation of theatre shows and concerts.

He looks at how the country's economy has fared compared to similar countries, and investigates whether claims it is in a better position to generate 'herd immunity' are accurate. 

Contributors:

Maddy Savage, journalist in Stockholm

Dr Emma Frans, researcher in medical epidemiology at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm

Richard Milne, Nordic and Baltic Correspondent at The Financial Times

Marcus Buggert, assistant professor at the Centre for Infectious Medicine at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm,

Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 

Team: Richard Fenton-Smith, Bob Howard, Kirsteen Knight
Studio Manager: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Jasper Corbett

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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