The public health authority and the government's message were clear early in the pandemic: The elderly would be protected.

Despite this, more than 1,900 people have died with confirmed covid-19 in Swedish housing for the elderly during the corona spring, which results in an excess of 30 percent, a survey by SVT Nyheter shows. In the Stockholm region, which was hit hardest by the epidemic, the corresponding figure is 100 percent.

"Very sad"

- It's very sad. I don't think these are numbers, but of course there are people behind this. These are families who are not allowed to see a loved one's relative, says Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S) in Aktuellt.

But according to the Minister of Social Affairs - who is most responsible for elderly care in Sweden - it is too early to evaluate how the pandemic has been handled.

- I think that mortality is a fairly reliable measure, but it is difficult to make comparisons in a very short time. You probably have to come a bit further, and also realize that we are in the middle of a pandemic.

Awaiting IVO investigation

Following the spring's many alarms about widespread coronas infection in elderly housing, the Inspection for Health and Care (IVO) is now conducting an in-depth supervision of all housing units in the country. Lena Hallengren wants to await the results before drawing any far-reaching conclusions.

- The conclusions they draw, they also we will take part in and make sure that everyone in the operations naturally gets the opportunity to do an even better job.

- There are many businesses around the country that have handled this well and managed to keep the infection away. It is not too late to learn from them.