The government is lifting travel restrictions within Sweden. From mid-June, people can travel freely within the country again, but the danger is not over yet.
”"If developments go in the wrong direction, we will once again tighten the restrictions," says Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren (S).
It is from June 13th that it will be free to travel within the country.
”"In recent weeks, the number of people needing care has decreased. Overall, the reduced burden means that Sweden is on its way to a better situation," says Stefan Löfven.
The new announcement applies to people without symptoms and who are healthy.
”"The situation is still serious. This announcement does not mean that the danger is over. Every single trip should be made with caution as the guiding principle," says Stefan Löfven, adding that the restrictions will be reintroduced if the curve of people needing care reverses.
”"If developments go in the wrong direction, we will tighten the restrictions again," says Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren.
The government is careful to point out that other restrictions still exist.
”"It is important to stick to this. Otherwise, the spread of the infection could accelerate," says Deputy Prime Minister Isabella Lövin (MP).
The government's announcement follows the Public Health Agency's new recommendations. The analysis is that it is not domestic travel that leads to the spread of infection, which is why the restriction can now be eased.
Rather, it is the target that poses a threat of increased infection. According to Director General Johan Carlson, the authority will therefore produce recommendations by the summer on how the spread of infection can be minimized when people move more freely.
The announcement is good news for the tourism industry, but the Minister of Social Affairs does not want to say that economic assessments were decisive for the decision to lift restrictions on domestic travel.
”"We wouldn't take anything into consideration other than keeping the spread of infection down," says Lena Hallengren.
A key to Sweden's successful opening up is extensive testing of the population.
”"In the phase of the pandemic we are now in, most regions are assessing that more tests are needed. This work must be carried out fully during the summer, not least in the tourist areas," says Johan Carlson.
So far, the government has had problems reaching the number of tests it set as a target.
On Thursday, the government announced that it is allocating an additional 5.9 billion kronor to increase testing. The focus of the testing will be on both symptoms and infection tracing.
”"The regions that do not have the conditions to pass the testing can receive support for it," says Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren, adding that she does not believe that it is only the testing that was decisive for the decision to lift the travel restrictions.
”"Testing is not unimportant, but you can't say that it is a prerequisite for travel to work."”
Source: di.se
