Sweden: COVID-19 National Strategy

Swedish COVID-19 National Strategy

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Crisis web site on COVID-19
Public Health Agency of Sweden
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Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Extension of Restrictions and Recommendations

“On February 4th, the government announces an extension of a number of restrictions and recommendations.

“• Ban on alcohol severing after 8pm is extended through February 28th. Thereafter a ban on serving alcohol after 10pm is suggested.

“• Under the pandemic law, more measures apply, such as restrictions on public transport for long-distance travel, measures enabling the government to shut down stores, gyms and restaurants, and more accurate and appropriate measures affecting public gatherings and events. Restrictions for public gatherings and events will be adjusted to circumstances and depend on factors such as location (indoor/outdoor activities) and the size of the premise or area.

“• The government requests that municipalities keep all non-necessary businesses closed through February 21th. The regions and municipalities are free to determine which activities will be suspended based on local conditions and needs. Sports and leisure activities for children and young adults (born after 2002) are encouraged to be maintained.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed March 22, 2021.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: New National Law On Lockdown

“On January 8th, a new regulation was decided under the pandemic law such that a number of businesses (stores, malls, sports facilities and public baths) are now affected by the legally binding rules. These businesses are obligated to calculate and document the maximum number of visitors allowed at the same time. Every visitor should have at least 10 square meters. The county administrative boards are responsible for monitoring and determining the penalty for non-compliance.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed March 22, 2021.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Temporary COVID-19 Act To Enable More Communicable Disease Control Measures

“It will be possible to introduce special restrictions for both certain activities and places. The restrictions may for example apply to public gatherings and public events, places for recreational or cultural activities which are open to the public, commercial centres such as shopping centres and malls which are open to the public, public transport and domestic air travel, and places where private gatherings may occur. If necessary, it will be possible to prohibit public gatherings of a certain size at places to which the public have access and close premises that serve food and drink. The temporary COVID-19 Act is to apply from 10 January until the end of September 2021.

“The Riksdag has also called on the Government by way of two announcements to act as follows. The Riksdag considers that the right to compensation should be given much more substantial clarification and that a business that is affected by the Government’s regulations issued on the basis of the new COVID-19 Act or the Act on Temporary Communicable Disease Control Measures at Venues Serving Food and Drink should, as a rule, receive compensation. The Riksdag has called on the Government by way of an announcement to act in respect of the above. The Riksdag has called on the Government by way of an announcement to keep the relevant Riksdag committee informed when work is in progress at the Government Offices to draw up new regulations on the basis of the new temporary act. The proposals for announcements are based on two committee initiatives.”

Source: “Temporary COVID-19 Act to enable more communicable disease control measures,” Swedish Parliament, Jan. 8, 2021. Last accessed Jan. 8, 2021.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Face Coverings Required On Public Transit

“The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends that passengers should wear masks when travelling by public transport. The recommendation applies to journeys taken on weekdays between 7–9am and 4–6pm. The new recommendation comes into force on 7 January 2021.

“Passengers should wear masks during weekday rush hours 7–9am and 4–6pm. Passengers are responsible for carrying their own mask, preferably with a CE marking. However, public transport companies are recommended to ensure that masks are available to passengers who have not brought their own.”

Source: “Masks In Public Transport From 7 January,” Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Dec. 30, 2020. Last accessed Jan. 5, 2021.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: New Rules For Schools and Curfew For Nursing Homes

“On November 18th, the government established a new general rule to enable high schools to take further measures to reduce congestion. These measures include options to combine contact teaching with distance education to help compliance with general protection guidelines and recommendations within school premises.

“On November 19th, the government granted the Swedish Public Health Agency authority to impose local curfews on nursing homes. This measure is in response to the worsened situation since the national curfew was lifted on October 1st. The regulation entered into force on November 21th and will be in place till the end of February 2021.

“On December 3th, on the recommendation of the Swedish Public Health Agency, the government d implemented a time-limited transition to distance learning for high schools. This recommendation will be valid from December 7th 2020 to January 6th 2021. The Swedish Public Health Agency estimates that this measure will slow down the spread of the virus among students and the wider community.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Dec. 30, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Local Guidelines Replaced By National Regulations and Guidelines

“On December 8th, the Swedish Public Health Agency issued a regulation replacing local general guidelines with national regulations and general guidelines from December 14th 2020. This change is imposed as a precaution and is a response to the expected increased movement and social contacts during the upcoming holidays. This regulation will be in place till June 2021.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Dec. 30, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Economic Support Measures

“• November 9th. The January parties propose an extension of measures taken to support Swedish jobs and companies including: short-term layoffs (prolonged up to 7 months); deferral of tax payments (prolonged up 1 year); adjustment support and turnover support (prolonged up to 3 months) and relief in rules for unemployment insurance for entrepreneurs (will also apply in 2021).”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Dec. 16, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Travel Restrictions

“On October 22nd, the Government announced that the temporary entry ban to Sweden has been extended until December 22nd 2020. This decision is in line with the recommendations of the Commission and the Council of Ministers.

“Then on November 9th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to extend the advice on unnecessary travel to all countries outside the EU / EEA / Schengen area up to and including January 31st 2021. This was in response to the uncertain and changing situation in other countries. Many countries have closed borders or imposed extensive restrictions on entry and exit, quarantine regulations and curfews.

“For official travel advice see:
“https://www.regeringen.se/uds-reseinformation/
“https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/nyheter-och-press/nyhetsarkiv/2020/mars/tank-over-om-resan-verkligen-ar-nodvandig/“

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Dec. 15, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Economic Measures In Response To Covid-Related Job Loss

“• September 24th. The government extends compensation (up to and including December 31st  2020) to risk groups and certain relatives (temporary parental benefit, sickness benefit for preventive purposes, carrier benefit to certain relatives to risk groups).

“• November 9th. The January parties propose an extension of measures taken to support Swedish jobs and companies including: short-term layoffs (prolonged up to 7 months); deferral of tax payments (prolonged up 1 year); adjustment support and turnover support (prolonged up to 3 months) and relief in rules for unemployment insurance for entrepreneurs (will also apply in 2021).”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Nov. 27, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: New Restrictions Imposed In Response To Growing COVID Case Numbers

“The proposal provides that the police may cancel or disperse a public meeting or assembly with more than 8 participants. Anyone who organises an event in violation of the ban may face a fine or prison sentence of up to six months.

“Previously, a 50-person limit for public assemblies was in effect, but now the government is proposing a further restriction. The motivation is to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease covid-19.

“The former exemption for gatherings and events held at restaurants will be removed.

“Public gatherings include:

  • “gatherings that constitute demonstrations or which are otherwise held for discussion, expression of opinion or providing information on public or private matters;
  • “lectures and speeches held for the purposes of teaching or for public or civic education;
  • “gatherings for religious practice;
  • “theatrical and cinema performances, concerts and other gatherings for the performance of artistic work, and
  • “other gatherings at which freedom of assembly is exercised.

“Public events include:

  • “competitions and exhibitions in sports and aviation;
  • “dance performances;
  • “fairground amusements and parades;
  • “markets and fairs, and
  • “other events not regarded as public gatherings or circus performances.
  • “Schools, public transport, private events and visits to shops are excluded.

Source: “A maximum of eight people may gather,” Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Nov. 17, 2020, from the web at https://www.krisinformation.se/en/news/2020/november/a-maximum-of-eight-people-may-gather last accessed Nov. 17, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Physical Distancing and Limits On Crowd Sizes and Groups At Restaurants

“The decision will apply from 3 November and means that the size of a dining party will be limited to eight people and that the audience at concerts, for example, must be seated.

“The size of a dining party allowed to sit at one table is limited to eight people. If a party is larger than eight people, it must be divided between several tables with at least one metre between them. If a dining establishment wants to arrange a concert, or something similar, the audience must be seated.

“The Public Health Agency of Sweden also advises taking further measures to avoid crowding if necessary.

“To ensure that crowding does not occur, dining establishments should, if necessary, increase the distance between dining parties to more than one metre or reduce the number of visitors who may be on the premises at the same time,” says Bitte Bråstad, General Counsel at the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Source: “New rules for reduced crowding in dining establishments,” Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Nov. 3, 2020, from the web at https://www.krisinformation.se/en/news/2020/november/new-rules-for-reduced-crowding-in-dining-establishments last accessed Nov. 4, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: Travel and Border Restrictions

“Since 29 July, the policy of dissuading people from unnecessary travel to Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and the Czech Republic has been lifted. In previous decisions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised against travel to: Andorra, Belgium, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Monaco, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Germany, Hungary and the Vatican City. For the other countries within the EU, the EEA (European Economic Area) and the Schengen area, as well as the United Kingdom, the policy of dissuading people from unnecessary travel was extended to 12 August 2020. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs  previously made decisions on dissuading people from unnecessary travel to other countries – outside the EU, EEA, Schengen and the United Kingdom – valid until 31 August 2020. This decision still applies.

“For official travel advice see:
https://www.regeringen.se/uds-reseinformation/
https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/nyheter-och-press/nyhetsarkiv/2020/mars/tank-over-om-resan-verkligen-ar-nodvandig/

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed August 30, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: Physical Distancing and Schools

“From June 15th, the Public Health Agency’s recommendation on distance education is removed. This means that students in upper secondary school can return to the school premises during the summer and autumn. For adult education, vocational college and higher education, education may need to be given in part at distance to reduce the spread of infection. This is to follow the Public Health Agency’s general recommendations on keeping distance and avoiding greater public gatherings.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed July 16, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Coverage, Cost, and Entitlement to Care

“There is universal coverage for testing and COVID-19-related health care for all citizens and individuals staying in or visiting Sweden and there are no additional fees for these services. All care for COVID-19 is free of charge.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed June 24, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: Borders and Travel Restrictions

“As of April 16th, the provisional entry ban to Sweden from non-EEA countries and Switzerland is extended through to May 15th. This ban is, however, not applicable to Swedish citizens nor people residing in Sweden returning home. Also people of certain importance, such as diplomats, people with protection status, and people performing crucial functions, such as health care personnel or people transporting goods, are excluded from the ban. On April 3rd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs discouraged unnecessary travel to all countries until June 15th 2020, after which a new assessment will be made. There are currently no restrictions on internal travel; however, the Public Health Agency encourages the public to avoid unnecessary travel, especially to the metropolitan areas.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed June 24, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Transition: School Reopening

“From June 15th, the Public Health Agency’s recommendation on distance education is removed. This means that students in upper secondary school can return to the school premises during the summer and autumn. For adult education, vocational college and higher education, education may need to be given in part at distance to reduce the spread of infection. This is to follow the Public Health Agency’s general recommendations on keeping distance and avoiding greater public gatherings.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed June 24, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Physical Distancing, Facility and Business Closing

“Since February, there have been regular press briefings with the message to keep personal distance. On March 10th, the Public Health Agency of Sweden urges everyone with respiratory symptoms to stay home no matter where they have been. Then on March 11th, the Government prohibits all public gatherings with over 500 people, this is then changed to gatherings of a maximum of 50 people (on March 27th) and is being enforced.

“From March 14th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against unnecessary travel to all countries. Then on March 19th, the Public Health Agency advises against domestic travel. Moreover, at the request of the European Council and the Commission, the Government decides to prohibit unnecessary trips to Sweden.

“From March 16th, the Public Health Agency urges everyone over 70 years old to avoid social contact as much as possible. The Agency also urges everyone that can work from home to do so. Then the following day, high schools, Folk High Schools and universities are urged to teach at a distance, but elementary schools are kept open.

“As of March 25th, only table service is allowed in restaurants and bars (no drinking or ordering at the bar). Furthermore, visitors are banned in residential care homes for older people from March 30th.”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Nov. 25, 2020.

Sweden COVID-19 National Strategy: Testing

“Since the outbreak, the agencies and counties have worked to increase the capacity of tests. Currently, PCR-tests are performed to confirm COVID-19. This has increased week on week as follows:
“• From March 2nd to March 8th a total of 4 300 samples were analysed (~ 600 samples per day / 5.95 samples per day per 100 000 people)
“• From March 9th to March 15tha total of 9 000 samples were analysed (~ 1 300 samples per day / 12.45 samples per day per 100 000 people)
“• From March 16th to March 22nd a total of 10 300 samples were analysed (~ 1 500 samples per day / 14.25 samples per day per 100 000 people)
“• From March 23rd to March 29tha total of 12 300 samples were analysed (~ 1 800 samples per day / 17.01 samples per day per 100 000 people)
“• From March 30th to April 5th a total of 17 700 samples were analysed (~ 2 500 samples per day/ 24.48 samples per day per 100 000 people)
“• From April 6th to April 12th a total of 19 900 samples were analysed (~2 800 samples per day/ 27.53 samples per day per 100 000 people)”

Source: COVID-19 Health System Response Monitor. A project of the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, the European Commission, and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Last accessed Nov. 25, 2020.

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Page last updated August 19, 2022 by Doug McVay, Editor.