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During the fall, the Swedish Public Health Agency moved from spring general recommendations to specific local councils in regions where the spread of infection was worst. But since virtually the entire country has been hit again by a second wave of the corona pandemic, “local” councils have effectively become national. On Thursday, the Swedish Public Health Agency decided that the latest region, Jämtland Härjedalen, should also start to be covered by the stricter recommendations.
The advice means that people in almost all regions should, among other things, “refrain from staying indoors such as stores, shopping malls, museums, libraries, bathrooms and gyms.”
But the municipal politicians of the country and officials have interpreted the advice differently. In several of the metropolitan municipalities of the country, precisely this type of local activity is open, despite the fact that neighbors thus violate the recommendations of the Public Health Agency if they go there.
At Örebro, each company has made a decision on how to do it. The pools and art galleries have been closed while the libraries are open. Kenneth Handberg (S), chairman of the city board, says there are reasons to keep libraries open despite advice.
– The fact that libraries are open is due to the fact that not everyone has access to digital communication or basic public information. It is a trade-off that must be made and is done with extreme measures. Queuing to be able to communicate with loved ones via computer had never happened before in my time of political consciousness.
Don’t you see any risk of messages becoming unclear when the Public Health Agency says you shouldn’t visit restrooms, etc., at the same time deciding to shut down certain activities but keep others open?
– Yes, there is a risk that you will be confused if it is not related to the basic message. I suppose all Swedes who have heard Anders Tegnell or any minister say that we should stay home understand that the social functions that are open are only open to the most urgent needs.
In Stockholm it still stands a variety of open public activities – including restrooms and libraries. Even if the activities have been adapted a bit to prevent the spread of the infection, it is still possible to visit them as before.
DN has sought out Stockholm’s finance councilor Anna König Jerlmyr (M) for an interview on why the city’s library and baths are still open, even though the strictest councils say no one should visit them. He is referring to a press conference on Friday about the pandemic situation in Stockholm. Based on DN’s experience, then there will be new, clear information on municipal activities.
The Stockholm Citizens’ Council for Sport and Culture has told TT that they are prepared to change and close if the situation requires it.
– We keep the city gym and swimming open until further notice. But of course, if we see that visits after these new stricter recommendations do not decrease significantly, then we must make a new decision, said Councilor for Sports Karin Ernlund (C).
Stockholm City Councilor for Sports and Culture Karin Ernlund (C) has previously told TT that they are prepared to change if the situation calls for it.
Photo: Jessica Gow / TT
Libraries have libraries too and the pools are still open, but further announcements are expected on Friday. City leader Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, (S), declines the interview and refers to Friday’s press conference.
In most regions, local councils look the same. But in Uppsala, the region that was most affected by the second wave of autumn, they are more general. For example, they do not encourage people to visit public toilets and libraries. Uppsala City Council Chairman Erik Pelling (S) says they have asked for clearer advice.
– To make it easier for people to understand, it would be good if we received the same advice as others. Uppsala was the first to leave and then they only chose certain tips. This creates some confusion.
So far, both municipal libraries and bathhouses are open in Uppsala, but that may change if the advice is clarified according to Erik Pelling. At the same time, it demands clearer communication from the Swedish Public Health Agency and the government.
– Actually, it’s not that complicated, but it could probably be played in a clearer way.
Despite public activities is open, the Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren (S) believes that municipalities have made municipalities and regions more involved in infection control work.
– There is a different collaboration than when you simply make a national decision and expect it to be followed. But we are in a different situation where much more work is now required for us to have behavioral changes. The dialogue between the Public Health Agency and the local infection control must continue, but I cannot give a simple answer on exactly how.
Private companies must also comply with city councils to avoid things like gyms and bathrooms. But despite that, several of the country’s large training companies have remained open. DN has been in contact with Friskis and Svettis and the gym chain Sats, both of which have their gym facilities open despite the pandemic and strict advice.
– We must take responsibility for ensuring that there is no congestion and that it is possible to keep our distance. That, and trying to orient ourselves towards outdoor training and digital alternatives, is our job, says Susanne Jidesten, General Secretary of Friskis & Svettis Riks.
But isn’t it possible for your members to visit your gym without breaking the recommendations?
– It is up to the individual to choose what need they have for movement, absolutely it is.
Gymkedjan Sat spokesperson Malin Selander writes in an email that they work to reduce congestion at their facilities and offer alternatives for those who want to train from home. “Everyone has the opportunity to choose it instead of moving around in society,” he writes.
