STOCKHOLM 6 Apr (ANA) - Sweden's prime minister has told his country to prepare for thousands of deaths as the country faces a backlash over its light-touch response to the coronavirus crisis.  

Stefan Löfven admitted that 'we will have more seriously ill people who need intensive care', but played down the distinctiveness of Sweden's approach. 

Swedes have been advised to practise social distancing, but schools, bars and restaurants remain open - to the amazement of neighbouring countries which are enforcing strict lockdowns. 

Thousands of doctors and academics including the head of the Nobel foundation have signed a petition urging tougher action, while one scientist accused Sweden of playing 'Russian roulette with the Swedish population' as cases gradually rise. 

The scepticism of Sweden comes amid promising signs that the lockdowns are working for its European neighbours such as Spain, Italy and Germany.  

Germany's 3,677 new cases today are the smallest jump since March 22, while growth in new cases in Spain and Italy has fallen to its slowest since the crisis began.(ANA)

FA/ANA/6 April 2020--------