The Swedish government has moved to sharply reduce the dimensions of public gatherings, because it sought to return to grips with a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic that has seen record daily numbers of latest cases and growing pressure on hospitals.
Swedes haven’t been adhering to coronavirus recommendations and public gatherings will now be limited from a previous upper threshold of 300 to eight people, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at a press conference on Monday.
The new measure will become on November 24.
Interior Minister Mikael Damberg said the new limit on gatherings – far less than the 50 allowed during the sooner outbreak – would be in situ for four weeks but might be extended to run over the Christmas and New Year holidays.Too many of us were acting as “if the danger is over”, he added.
For his part, Lofven sounded an ominous note on the importance of limiting social contacts.“It’s getting to worsen . Do your duty and take responsibility for stopping the spread of the virus,” he appealed to Swedes.
“This is that the new norm for the whole society,” he said. “Don’t attend gyms, don’t attend libraries, don’t host dinners. Cancel.”
The new ban only applies to public gatherings like sporting and cultural events, because the government doesn’t have the authority to ban private gatherings in homes.Schools and restaurants will stay open, for instance , though the latter have already been limited to a maximum of eight people per table.
Swedes have also been advised to not socialise with anyone outside their household.
