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Sweden has lowered its limit on attending public meetings to eight people as its light approach to the coronavirus pandemic continues to be tested by an increase in new infections and hospitalizations.
Public gatherings have so far had to meet limits of between 50 and 300 people, depending on the type of event. Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said the stricter limit would take effect from November 24.
“This is the new norm for all of society,” Lofven said, adding that the Swedes were not following the coronavirus recommendations as well as they did in the spring. “Don’t go to gyms, don’t go to libraries, don’t organize dinners. Cancel, ”he said.
Sweden’s second wave has come later than much of continental Europe, but new infections, hospitalizations and daily deaths have risen substantially since the beginning of the month.
On Friday, the last day for which data are available, Sweden reported its highest number of new cases, 5,990, bringing its total to 177,355 with 6,164 deaths – a per capita figure much higher than that of its Nordic neighbors, but less than some countries like Spain and Italy that imposed strict closures.
Sweden’s soft approach, which has focused primarily on asking residents rather than ordering them to abide by hygiene and distancing recommendations while keeping shops, bars and restaurants open, has gained international attention.
He has always denied that his goal was to achieve rapid herd immunity, insisting that his strategy was to slow down the virus enough so that health services could cope, but the higher levels of immunity he hoped for have not materialized so far. .
The new limit applies only to public gatherings, such as sporting and cultural events, as the government cannot prohibit private gatherings in homes. The restaurants will remain open, with a maximum of eight people per table, as will the schools.
“It’s going to get worse,” Löfven said. “Do your duty and take responsibility for stopping the spread of the virus. In the spring we saw a great fulfillment. It was enough to have recommendations for most people to keep their distance and cancel their plans. Now there is less compliance. “
The prime minister reiterated that the government “does not believe in a total blockade. We believe that the measures we have taken … are adequate ”.
Last week, the government announced that bars and restaurants would not be allowed to serve alcohol after 10 p.m. from November 20 to the end of February.
Interior Minister Mikael Damberg said the new strict limit for meetings would be in effect for the first four weeks, but could be extended over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
