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In January, the country passed a law against the pandemic that gives the government new powers to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Sweden, unlike most other European countries, has not declared a quarantine and has fought the pandemic largely through non-violent means, although that strategy has received controversial evaluations.
However, since November, the country has gradually tightened preventive measures. Among other things, it was forbidden after 8 pm to exchange alcohol and gather in public places for groups of more than eight people.
Restrictions have also been introduced on the number of visitors to sports centers, swimming pools and supermarkets, and masks have been recommended for public transport during peak hours.
In the past, the government has taken preparatory steps under the pandemic law to close supermarkets if the need arises. However, preparations are now being made to close all commercial and service centers, such as sports clubs, hair salons, cafes and restaurants.
“If the number of cases increases drastically, the government will have to close some companies,” the cabinet said in a statement.
“We will not announce the closures today, but we are preparing to take advantage of that part of the pandemic law,” Health Minister Lena Hallengren told reporters.
“We don’t think it’s necessary at this point, but of course we won’t wait until it’s too late,” he said.
Sweden, with 10.3 million. The population has been much more affected by the pandemic than its northern neighbors. A total of 617,869 cases of coronavirus infection have been reported in the country since the pandemic began on Tuesday, and 12,487 people have died from the disease.
The number of new COVID-19 cases detected daily has been declining since mid-December, but the rate of decline has recently slowed and health officials are concerned that a third wave of the pandemic could hit the country soon.
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