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From: TT
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Photo: Janerik Henriksson / TT
Few municipalities have requested that the Swedish Public Health Agency issue a restraining order on their nursing homes. Stock Photography.
Currently, not a single nursing home has a legal restraining order. The public health authority issuing the bans sees it as a “last resort.”
– We have taken a step back on that issue, says state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell.
This weekend, the Swedish Public Health Agency was given the authority to make a decision on local restraining orders for nursing homes in order to combat the spread of the coronavirus. But so far, according to Tegnell, the demand has been small.
– From the beginning, we thought that it would be a large part of the country that saw the need for this. In the end, about five municipalities came with the question of whether the visit could be prohibited, he says.
Tegnell: Reasonable
At the same time, many municipalities have taken steps to varying degrees to limit visits. Some call it a “visitation interruption” and strongly discourage visits, while others even go so far as to prohibit visits on their own, even if it lacks legal support.
TT: Isn’t it strange then that so few want the Public Health Agency to issue local restraining orders?
– For our part, it is reasonable because we see the restraining order as definitely the last measure, says Anders Tegnell.
The Swedish Public Health Agency does not consider visitors to pose a significant risk of infection and therefore wants the care of the elderly to prioritize other measures to prevent the spread of infection.
– You must not forget things that are even more important. Well-trained staff, staff who have the opportunity to be at home in case of illness, adequate protective equipment is in place, and sick patients can be isolated.
Bans are delayed
The “around five” municipalities that have nevertheless requested a restraining order must wait, says the state epidemiologist. The Swedish Public Health Agency is currently working to decide on what grounds a decision should be made on a restraining order. The process is estimated to take between a few days and a week.
– To introduce a restraining order with good arguments. It’s a very large and restrictive measure that must be taken very seriously, says Tegnell.
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