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The ban, which was unveiled at the government press conference on Monday, is described as one of the most far-reaching in modern times.
But what is really forbidden? The news has caused confusion among, for example, cinemas and theaters.
The film city that runs most of the country’s cinemas said Monday it will close all its cinemas as a result of the new ban. The decision was later withdrawn, after Anders Tegnell gave a softer message in an interview on Swedish Radio.
Maintains the hearing waiver
The reason for the confusion is that the government’s exemption for public meetings with seated audiences of up to 300 people, the so-called hearing exemption, still applies. It follows from a memorandum that the government sent for consultation.
In practice, however, a maximum limit of 50 people applies, as most county administrative boards have chosen to keep the 50 person limit.
This means that it is still allowed to organize a concert or a football game with 50 seated guests, if they can maintain a distance of one meter, even after the limit of eight people begins to apply.
You want the 50 limit to be lowered as well
What is covered by the eight-person limit are other public events that do not have a seated audience. Examples of such events could be demonstrations or fairs, where participants stand and move.
However, the hope of the Justice Department is that the County Administrative Board, which has a chance to toughen the 50-person rule, will lower its limit to apply to eight people for seated hearings as well.
It is not yet clear when and if it can happen.
Tegnell cannot answer
When state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell was asked about what really applies to audiences sitting in, say, movie theaters during Tuesday’s press conference, he was unable to provide an answer.
– Now I do not say more about it, I get different information from different lawyers and we collect information and recover it.
Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren delivered a clearer message during a news conference Tuesday afternoon, when she said she assumes county administrative boards will follow the government’s lead.
“Now there are eight that are the new norm and it will be established next week with the government’s decision,” he said.
