PANDEMIC

Sweden relaxes coronavirus restrictions

The Öresund bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Photo: Luc De Cleir/Pixabay.
The recommendation to wear a mask in public transport has been withdrawn.

In view of the declining number of new coronavirus infections, Sweden is easing a number of restrictions.

"From Thursday onwards, life can go on a bit more like before the pandemic," said Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren in Stockholm on Monday.

More participants are allowed at events and demonstrations again. Restaurants and bars are allowed to stay open longer. In addition, more guests are allowed to sit together at one table.

The recommendation to wear a mask in public transport has been withdrawn.

"Together we have succeeded in reducing the spread of Covid-19 in our country to today's relatively low level," said the director general of the National Board of Health, Johan Carlson.

Vaccination

At the same time, he warned that the pandemic is not over yet.

Fifty-seven per cent of the population has now received at least one vaccination dose. Every third Swede is fully vaccinated.