Sweden is outlier in virus restrictions

The streets of Stockholm are quiet but not deserted. People still sit at outdoor cafes. Teenagers still chat in groups. Some still greet each other with hugs and handshakes.

Swedish authorities have advised the public to practice social distancing and to work from home, if possible, and urged those over age 70 to self-isolate as a precaution. Yet compared to the lockdowns imposed elsewhere in the world, the government’s response to the virus allows a liberal amount of personal freedom.

“Sweden is an outlier on the European scene, at least,” said Johan Giesecke, the country’s former chief epidemiologist and now adviser to the Swedish Health Agency, a government body. “And I think that’s good.”

Rouhani defends Iran’s lagging virus response

Iran’s president on Sunday lashed out at criticism of the country’s lagging response to the worst coronavirus outbreak in the Middle East, saying the government has to weigh economic concerns as it takes measures to contain the pandemic.

Hassan Rouhani said authorities had to consider the effect of mass quarantine efforts on Iran’s beleaguered economy.

State TV on Sunday reported another 123 deaths, pushing Iran’s overall toll to 2,640 amid 38,309 confirmed cases.

Strong earthquake hits Indonesia

A strong inland and shallow earthquake hit parts of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island late Saturday night, sending people fleeing despite appeals by officials to keep distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 5.8 quake was centered 40 miles northwest of Central Sulawesi province’s Pendolo town, at a depth of 6.2 miles.

Indonesia’s national disaster agency spokesman Agus Wibowo said the earthquake didn’t have any potential to cause a tsunami.