Sweden has received both praise and criticism for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic. As the situation changes, more restrictions may be introduced – but these are the rules and advice you need to be aware of now.

ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC

General advice from an authority is clear, but not binding. Everyone has a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People over 70 are no longer covered by any specific recommendations – but age remains the biggest risk factor.

• Stay home when you are sick. 

Stay home if you have symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, difficulty breathing, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain or nausea. This also applies to mild symptoms. Wait at least two days after you have recovered before going to work or school. 

• Have good hygiene 

Avoid touching your face or eyes. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have access to it, hand sanitizer can be an alternative. Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm.

• Keep your distance

Keep your distance from others in places where people gather, both indoors and outdoors. Keep your distance from others on public transport.

• Work from home – if possible 

Work from home if you have the opportunity, so that fewer people travel on public transport and in workplaces.  

• Study remotely 

For those attending high school, college, university or other adult education, some distance learning can continue during the fall to reduce the spread of infection.

• Refrain from parties

Refrain from participating in large social gatherings such as parties, funerals, baptisms, celebrations and weddings.

• Refrain from exercising indoors

Physical activity outdoors is encouraged. However, the government and the Public Health Agency have issued advice and guidelines that people should refrain from going to gyms, swimming pools and bathhouses, for example.

• Avoid public transport and rush hour traffic

Avoid traveling during rush hour and refrain from unnecessary trips. Avoid public transportation where you cannot reserve a seat. If possible, walk, cycle or use alternative modes of transportation.

• Travel abroad – it concerns 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends the advice against all non-essential travel to Estonia, Ireland and Latvia until December 2.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lifted the advice against non-essential travel to: Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Vatican City and Austria.

Previous decisions advising against non-essential travel to countries outside the EU, EEA and Schengen area are still in effect until January 31, 2021.

• Travel domestically – if you are symptom-free

Since June 13, you can travel freely within Sweden, with certain restrictions. Anyone who is sick should not travel at all. Anyone who shows symptoms and plans to travel should test themselves for COVID-19 if there are grounds for medical assessment. Each person must take responsibility for maintaining social distancing. Crowding is not acceptable. Therefore, avoid traveling by public transport, and if you must: choose alternatives where it is possible to reserve a seat.

LOCAL GENERAL COUNCILS

All regions in Sweden, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Sweden, or on their own initiative, have introduced local general advice due to the corona pandemic. This means that all ten million Swedes are now covered by local general advice – in addition to the advice that covers the entire population. Read what applies here.

ADVICE TO INDUSTRIES/ORGANIZATIONS

Activities 

• Rearrange furniture in a way that creates larger spaces and reduces crowding.  
• Offer the opportunity to wash your hands or access to hand sanitizer.  
• Set up information sheets.  

Public transport 

• Maintain traffic to the extent necessary to avoid congestion. 
• Inform passengers about ways to reduce the spread of infection.
• Limit the number of passengers per vehicle.  

Shopping center / Trade 

• Limit the number of customers in the premises at the same time. 
• Introduce alternative solutions to checkout lines. For example, markings for distance between customers.  

Sports activities

• Ensure that close contact between practitioners is avoided. 
• Postpone matches and competitions.  
• Avoid crowds by, for example, limiting the number of spectators.  
• Keep activities outdoors as much as possible. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel in connection with sports. 

Workplaces 

• To the extent possible, employers should space out seating. 
• Wash your hands regularly and keep your distance from each other. 
• Work from home as much as possible. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel for work.  
• Adjust working hours to avoid traveling during rush hour. 
• Avoid meetings or hold them digitally.

THE RULES

An authority provides recommendations and advice, while the government can introduce laws.

• A maximum of eight people are allowed to gather.

The main rule has been 50 people, with an exception of 300 people for certain gatherings such as concerts, festivals and theaters. The limit is now lowered to eight people and will come into effect on November 24 and apply for four weeks. The exception is funerals, where the limit is set at 20 people.

• Maximum eight people at the same table

There must be no crowds in restaurants, cafes, school canteens, bars and nightclubs. Neither in queues, at bar counters or at buffets. Visitors in different groups must be able to keep at least one meter apart from each other. The restrictions mean that there can be a maximum of eight people at one and the same table. Takeaway food may, however, be handed over.

• No alcohol in the pub after 10pm

From 20 November until the end of February next year, the sale and serving of alcohol will be prohibited from 10pm. The ban applies to all businesses with a serving permit, such as bars, restaurants and pubs. The ban also means that all businesses that serve alcohol will be forced to close by 10.30pm.

• No artists in restaurants

Another drastic measure that the government is now announcing is that the exception to the audience ceiling for restaurants with artists who entertain diners will be removed. Such restaurants have been allowed to have seated audiences that exceed the audience ceiling since October 8. However, from November 24, it will be practically impossible to invite diners to live music, as only eight people will then be allowed to attend.

• Prohibited from entering Sweden 

Sweden has not closed its borders but has entry ban from countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. The temporary entry ban has been extended and is valid until December 22, 2020. Swedish citizens are not covered by the entry ban.

Source:svt