From Thursday, an audience of up to 300 people will be allowed indoors and 3,000 at outdoor events. Restaurants and pubs will be allowed to stay open longer and more guests will be allowed to sit at each table.

The announcement about the eased restrictions was presented by Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren (S), Minister of Culture, Amanda Lind (MP) and the Director General of the Public Health Agency, Johan Carlson, during a press conference on Monday.

”"Starting Thursday, life can start to go on a little more like it was before the pandemic," says the Minister of Social Affairs.

The reason for the easing of restrictions is that the spread of infection has steadily decreased in Sweden since the beginning of May. The number of people being cared for in intensive care is now 55, and at the same time, 57 percent of Sweden's population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. Every third Swede is fully vaccinated.

As a result of the reduced spread of infection, a number of restrictions are being lifted in accordance with stage 2 of the government's plan.

Private events with up to 50 participants will be allowed to be held and the call to only meet with loved ones will be withdrawn.

The limited opening hours for restaurants and pubs will be abolished and the number of guests at each indoor table will be increased from four to eight people.

”"Many of us are longing and have been longing to be able to socialize again. But I want to remind you that if we are to continue in the right direction, we need to continue to get vaccinated. This is for yourself, your loved ones and for life to return to normal for all of us," says Minister of Culture and Democracy Amanda Lind at the press conference.

The risks of the pandemic and Covid are not over, points out Johan Carlson, Director General of the Public Health Agency.

”"But with joint efforts we have managed to push back the spread of Covid-19 in our country to the relatively low level we see today," he says.

Source: TT