Stefan Lofven
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / AFP / Getty Images
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / AFP / Getty Images
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said there is now a “high risk” of a new spike in coronavirus infections, possibly justifying the country’s first blockage since the pandemic started almost a year ago.
“We see an increase in the number of cases again, we have to take new measures,” Lofven said at a press conference in Stockholm on Wednesday. “If the situation worsens, the government is ready to enforce a possible lockdown in parts of Sweden. Hopefully that is not necessary. “
Sweden has had to acknowledge that its earlier laissez-faire response to the pandemic resulted in a much higher death rate than its Nordic neighbors, prompting the government to change course. Last month, Sweden passed a law allowing for lockdowns, and the authorities have gradually tightened the requirements this year.
Read: Face mask skepticism is fading in Sweden as infection rates rise
Meanwhile, the contamination rate in Sweden has continued to rise. In Stockholm, the number of new coronavirus cases rose by 27% last week.
Lofven said the development requires a number of stricter measures, including …
- Restrictions on the number of people allowed into shops and gyms
- Restaurants across the country are not allowed to stay open after 8:30 PM from March 1
- Schools may need to be closed if infection rates continue to rise
– With the help of Ott Ummelas