I don't disagree that they're not doing as well in terms of absolute numbers of cases as their neighboring countries in absolute lock-down. However, that's also intentional: they believe they won't be affected by a second wave of cases, whereas their neighbors will, so any delta in death count is simply a deferral. Similarly, they're seeing way less flu deaths and way less car accidents nearby.

To the extent their new case burden remains flat and their medical system capable of treating cases as they arise (which they seem to be) then they are meeting their objectives.

Their goal was never "pretend its not happening and hope it goes away" -- and it certainly was never to have fewer cases than neighboring countries -- so it seems a strange way to compare them. Their goal isn't zero new cases, either. With that said, a flat case count is certainly positive and totally compatible with their goals, which makes it IMO a fair axis of comparison.