Sweden Abolishes Several Measures as the Country Enters Stage 3 of Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions
"The Swedish authorities have announced that in line with the country’s reopening plan, as of today, July 15, several measures that were introduced as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted.
Therefore, since the number of COVID-19 infection cases and the number of people requiring hospital treatment has significantly dropped, the country will continue with step three of phasing out the restrictions,
SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to a joint press release issued by the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, it has been revealed that regarding the pandemic situation in the country, the trends are
“heading in the right direction”.
“Overall, the infection rates, the pressure on the health care system, and the vaccination rate of the population are all at levels that allow restrictions to be lifted. For this reason, the Government and the Public Health Agency of Sweden have made the assessment that it is appropriate to proceed with step 3 of the Government’s plan for phasing out the restrictions,” the Ministry’s statement reads.
As such, stage three of Sweden’s plan of easing the restrictions includes the following modifications:
As of today, operators of long-distance public transport will be able to operate at full capacity. Nonetheless, passengers are still advised to be cautious. Those who show any Coronavirus symptoms are advised against using any public transport services.
Different municipalities of the country will no longer ban the public from attending certain crowded places. Previously, the ban was used as a tool by the Swedish authorities to limit crowding in public spaces such as beaches and parks.
Additionally, in line with the Government’s plan to ease the restrictions, it has been announced that the Public Health Agency has also made a number of other modifications.
Thus, except for the alternations mentioned above, the rule on the number of people allowed per square metre in museums, shopping centres, amusement parks, gyms, and several other places will be removed. Such rules will apply to both indoor and outdoor events.
“The advice to amusement parks concerning, for example, how to place groups for rides and attractions, will be removed. The size of groups with designated seats at public gatherings or events, including football matches, will be increased from four people to eight people,” the Ministry added.
The next step of the Swedish Government to gradually lift the restrictions, stage four, has been scheduled by the authorities for September, provided that infection rates remain low and the vaccination rate continues to increase."