impimp wrote: “... Don’t those politicians have the same pressures to be seen to be doing something?”
I have a theory. It appears that the amount of pressure on politicians is a function of what some call the KPSM ratio (Karens Per Square Mile) in a community.
Interestingly, science has determined that the KPSM ratio is inversely related to the FTR (Free Testosterone Ratio) in the community atmosphere. Science is researching whether Karen’s are attracted to areas with low FTR or if they actually consume or somehow, otherwise, reduce the FTR in the communities they inhabit.
FTR is low in Scandinavia and they have no lockdown - your theory is partially rejected. The KPSM measure you mention may, however, have merit.