Sweden tightens measures against pandemic

This state is facing a large increase in cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Bars and restaurants will close at 23:00 and proof of vaccination will be required for all public gatherings held indoors and attended by over 50 people. Meanwhile, private gatherings can not exceed the figure of 20 people.

These measures will enter into force on Wednesday, January 12.

With the current measures, the presentation of proof of vaccination is required only in events where more than 500 people participate.

With the new measures, in addition to being required to provide proof of vaccination, citizens who will participate in events that will take place indoors, must have at least one meter distance from each other.

“Now we are in a situation where we have record levels of broadcasting,” Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference.

On January 5, Sweden recorded 23,877 daily infections, which is the highest number of new cases the country has recorded since the pandemic began. In this state, the Omicron variant has become the dominant variant.

With the new measures, the Government has recommended that citizens limit their social interactions and avoid parties and dinners. Work from home is also recommended.

The Public Health Agency said it believes the new measures will be in effect by mid-February, but they will be reviewed every two weeks.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Sweden was one of the states that did not impose any form of isolation and did not close schools. This state took a more lenient approach by recommending social distancing and work from home.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Sweden has registered about 15,300 victims, a figure that is almost equal to the average death rate recorded by other European countries. But that figure is higher compared to neighboring countries such as Norway, Finland and Denmark, which had criticized Sweden’s strategy at the start of the pandemic.

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