Sweden again marks increased contact numbers with COVID-19

The country, which had a different approach from others, leaving most of its schools, restaurants and businesses open during the pandemic, has seen a gradual increase in the disease since the beginning of September, undermining expectations for the so-called “collective community”.

Sweden has more and more new infections, reporting 1,075 cases Thursday and 596 yesterday.

Swedish epidemiologist Anders Tegnell believes countries like the Netherlands, Spain and France are currently entering a second wave, but this is not the case with Sweden.

“This will mean that the virus is spreading significantly to large parts of society, and we don't have it in Sweden,” he said, adding that increased cases should be taken very seriously.

Public gatherings with more than 50 people are currently banned. This applies to concerts, shows, and protests, but not to jobs, shopping centers, or private events.

Even when that law is not implemented, however, meetings of large groups are expected to be avoided. The Public Health Agency requires all to avoid events with many people, including parties, weddings, and funerals.

Authorities want to introduce local deadlocks to halt the rapid spread of the virus. The move marks a new approach to the treatment of the virus from Sweden, as they were the only ones who had bars and restaurants opened in March, while the rest of Europe was in a deadlock.

The new regulations are believed to take effect tomorrow and allow regional health authorities to stop people from gathering in public places such as shopping centres, concerts and swimming pools. People will also be told to avoid public transportation and visits to the homes of elders.

Public Health Agency requires all to avoid public transportation if it is possible to walk, bicycle, or private car. If they really need to use public transportation, it is recommended that they avoid the <x0/quoque/Pik” and keep a distance, both in public transportation and at stations.

Other rules apply in restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Although more than 50 are allowed, these countries must have other measures to limit the crowds, with only table service and space between them.

Swedishs should also be tested if symptoms last more than 24 hours. If they are positive, they should stay at home for at least seven days after the initial symptoms and at least two days after their body temperature returns to normal, according to the Public Health Agency.

If the test is negative, they still have to stay at home until they're completely asmptomatic. Symptoms can include fever, loss of smell, taste, cough, and juicy nose.

People over the age of 70 or high-risk chronic patients must follow specific precautions. This group is required to limit social contacts and keep their distance from someone outside its family. This, for example, means that there are no hugs or grandchildren.

The Public Health Agency advises them to avoid larger groups of people, public transportation, and shops, and to order food at their home's address if possible.