STOCKHOLM, Nov 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Sweden, which has made headlines for its softer approach to the new coronavirus, now banned gatherings of more than eight people for the first time amid a strong surge in cases.
The limit for gatherings, previously set to between 50 and 300 people depending on the type of event, will be reduced to eight as of Nov 24, a measure deemed “necessary” to curb the spread of the virus, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told reporters.
“This is the new norm for the entire society,” Lofven told a news conference. “Don’t go to gyms, don’t go to libraries, don’t host dinners. Cancel.”
Sweden has drawn international attention for its unorthodox response to the pandemic, shunning lockdowns and instead relying on voluntary measures.
Sweden’s death rate per capita is several times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours but somewhat lower than some larger European countries such as Spain.
The resurgence of the disease hit Sweden weeks later than much of continental Europe, but the number of new infections has picked up speed since the turn of the month, with rising admissions to intensive care units and general Covid-19 wards.
The daily death toll from the disease has also climbed after having slowed to single digits during an extended summer lull, when many Swedes gradually began to live their lives more normally.
Interior Minister Mikael Damberg said the new limit on gatherings – far lower the 50 allowed during the spring outbreak – would be in place for four weeks but could be extended to run over the Christmas and New Year holidays.
More than 6,000 people with COVID-19 have died in Sweden since the pandemic began, a death rate per capita several times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours, if somewhat lower than some larger European countries such as Spain.
“We don’t believe in a total lockdown,” Lofven said. “We believe that the measures we have taken … are appropriate.” — NNN-AGENCIES
