Coronavirus: Sweden tightens local measures as virus cases surge

Sweden has told residents in the south of the country to severely limit their social interactions after a surge in the number of cases last week and warnings that the situation is likely to get worse.

The Swedish public health agency already told residents in the northern Uppsala region last week to avoid public transport and not to meet people outside their household for a period of two weeks.

The same advice has now been issued in the southernmost Scania region, but for a period of three weeks.

Health officials also said people should avoid meetings and cultural events, and to stay clear of indoor spaces such as shops, museums, libraries and gyms.

While other countries struggling to contain a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic are introducing mandatory restrictions, the measures in Sweden are only recommendations and not legally binding.

“This is a tough autumn and it will probably become worse before this is over,” state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell told a news conference.

“Last week, the number of new cases increased by 70% compared to the week before, one of the largest increases we’ve seen,” Mr Tegnell said.

Discussions are under way with other local authorities on possibly extending the advice to other parts of the country, he added.

Sweden has famously refused the type of mandatory lockdowns seen elsewhere in Europe, preferring to appeal to people’s sense of responsibility instead.

The Swedish royal family attended the inauguration of the new Slussbron ‘golden bridge’ in Stockholm earlier this week and nobody in attendance wore face coverings.

Face coverings are also not mandatory on public transport or indoor settings in Sweden.

The country of 10.3 million people has recorded a total of 115,785 cases of Covid-19 and 5,918 deaths so far.

Courtesy of rte.ie

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