Infection rates to remain high but ‘the worst consequences are now behind us’
03 February 2022 - 16:38
byReuters
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Magdalena Andersson. Picture: ERIK SIMANDER/TT NEWS/REUTERS
Sweden will lift pandemic restrictions next week despite record levels of infections as it banks on booster shots and high rates of past Covid-19 infections to keep hospitalisation rates manageable.
Current restrictions, which include bars and restaurants having to close early and a cap of 500 people on larger indoor venues, were extended last month until February 9.
“It’s time to open Sweden up again,” Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference. “Looking ahead, infection rates will remain high for a while longer, but as far as we can judge, the worst consequences of the contagion are now behind us.”
Fuelled by the more contagious Omicron variant, Sweden has repeatedly set new daily case records over the past month that has strained the health-care system, though to a lesser extent than in previous waves.
Sweden stood out early in the pandemic by spurning lockdowns, mainly relying on voluntary measures focused on social distancing and good hygiene, though somewhat tighter restrictions were gradually adopted in successive waves.
It has seen deaths per capita run much higher than in its Nordic neighbours but lower than most European countries that opted for lockdowns.
Some recommendations, such as getting vaccinated and isolating at home when sick, will remain in place and they will be more restrictive for the unvaccinated, health minister Lena Hallengren told the news conference.
Amid increasing evidence that Omicron results in less severe disease than previous variants, she added that the health agency will also propose that the virus no longer be designated a threat to society, though it would still be closely monitored.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
It’s time to open Sweden up again, premier says
Infection rates to remain high but ‘the worst consequences are now behind us’
Sweden will lift pandemic restrictions next week despite record levels of infections as it banks on booster shots and high rates of past Covid-19 infections to keep hospitalisation rates manageable.
Current restrictions, which include bars and restaurants having to close early and a cap of 500 people on larger indoor venues, were extended last month until February 9.
“It’s time to open Sweden up again,” Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson told a news conference. “Looking ahead, infection rates will remain high for a while longer, but as far as we can judge, the worst consequences of the contagion are now behind us.”
Fuelled by the more contagious Omicron variant, Sweden has repeatedly set new daily case records over the past month that has strained the health-care system, though to a lesser extent than in previous waves.
Sweden stood out early in the pandemic by spurning lockdowns, mainly relying on voluntary measures focused on social distancing and good hygiene, though somewhat tighter restrictions were gradually adopted in successive waves.
It has seen deaths per capita run much higher than in its Nordic neighbours but lower than most European countries that opted for lockdowns.
Some recommendations, such as getting vaccinated and isolating at home when sick, will remain in place and they will be more restrictive for the unvaccinated, health minister Lena Hallengren told the news conference.
Amid increasing evidence that Omicron results in less severe disease than previous variants, she added that the health agency will also propose that the virus no longer be designated a threat to society, though it would still be closely monitored.
Reuters
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