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When the infection is increasing in Denmark, and especially in Copenhagen, Regional Councilor Carl Johan Sonesson (M) wants to dissuade the people of Skåne from leisure trips across the Sound. But it is not a formal council that Smittskydd Skåne supports.
“The most important thing is your own responsibility and your own decisions, whether you want to go to Denmark or not,” says Skåne infection control doctor Eva Melander.
– It is completely true that you see an increase in infection in Denmark, but we also have a pandemic on this side of the bridge. The most important thing is your own responsibility and your own decisions, whether you want to go to Denmark or not, says Skåne infection control doctor Eva Melander at the region’s press conference.
– In addition to the precautionary principles that apply in Sweden, you must adapt to the other country’s restrictions and be aware of them.
Eva Melander emphasizes that it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that dictates travel restrictions, at the national level and by decision. And that infection rates in the Copenhagen region are increasing, but from a very low level.
On the other hand, it is quite clear that they are significantly higher than in Skåne at the moment, with an average of 120 infected per 100,000 inhabitants in the municipality of Copenhagen last week.
President of the Regional Board Carl Johan Sonesson (M) posted on Facebook last week his own advice to the people of Skåne to avoid traveling to Denmark, and believes the authorities should be able to impose such regional restrictions.
In addition to the Skåne Region publicly urging “seven falafels at a distance”, it is also recommended that people in Skåne do not travel by public transport during rush hour and avoid unnecessary travel.
Wouldn’t a less formal appeal to Denmark be in force?
– When you talk about regional restrictions, this is not what you think, but other things. Thus, Infection Control can be stricter in terms of the restrictions we impose on people or companies. Ultimately, it is a national matter to talk about travel advice to different countries, says Eva Melander.
One theory as to why Skåne was so mildly affected by COVID-19 has been that Denmark previously closed its borders and that the neighboring country was even less affected by the pandemic.
How concerned are you about how this may reflect on the spread of infection and development in Skåne?
– You can always think about this. But the great risk of infection is in close, prolonged and repeated contact. If you come as a tourist, you probably spend most of your time with those you travel with, says Eva Melander.
– We have not clearly seen that bars and restaurants have been a source of contagion. It is more about workplaces, private parties, student events and within families.
