Some in conservative media have been championing Sweden’s relaxed approach to combating the effects of coronavirus, which includes keeping restaurants open and many schools in session. But there is little evidence showing that Sweden’s approach is effective, and in fact indicators suggest that it’s likely backfiring.

Countries across Europe have taken strict measures to reduce the movement of citizens, but Sweden has instead opted for a less restrictive, “low-scale” approach, as the country's chief epidemiologist describes it. Sweden has seemingly embraced the idea of “herd immunity,” and while high schools and universities have closed and gatherings of over 50 people are banned, younger children are still in school and bars and restaurants have remained open. Crowds continue to gather, and life continues largely uninterrupted in many parts of Sweden.

As a result, Sweden’s fatality rate from coronavirus is significantly higher than those of the neighboring countries and of the United States, at 7.68% as of April 8 compared to 1.46% in Norway, 3.85% in Denmark, and 3.21% in the U.S. Some medical experts have called out the idea of herd immunity as based on flawed science, and a group of 22 research scientists have urged the country to take stronger measures against the virus, accusing Sweden’s government of failing in its response. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven has admitted that the lax approach meant that “we will have significantly more deaths,” and the country may shift toward stricter measures.

Still, some American conservative media have pushed for President Donald Trump to prematurely reopen America’s economy against the advice of medical experts, touting Sweden’s approach to the coronavirus as evidence.