COVID-19 | The Prime Minister said that Sweden has not changed its strategy

France Media Agency

“I understand why we are tempted to ask: ‘Has the strategy changed?’ No, it’s exactly the same strategy: to keep the spread of infection as low as possible, “said Prime Minister Stephen Lofven in an interview with Public Television SVT.

“But it is clear that we can also make changes depending on the situation,” he said.

Unlike actions widely imposed in Europe, Sweden has adopted a different strategy based primarily on recommendations, without regulation and almost without coercion.

The government, which has seen an increase in cases and deaths since this fall, tightened its tone in mid-November, especially by restricting public events to a maximum of eight. Since then everyone has been called to attend only to members of their household.

Although the closure or complete closure of bars, restaurants and shops is not on the agenda, Stephen Lofven on Friday presented new tough measures and recommendations in the wake of the second wave that claimed 2,000 lives. In this country with a population of only 10 million.

On Monday, Sweden closed its border with the United Kingdom and Denmark for the first time, preventing broadcasts linked to subsequent border shopping with them.

The introduction of visitor gauges in shops and sports halls, limiting tables to a maximum of four in restaurants, so far against eight people, and still symbolizing-wearing a mask on public transport was announced in early January, especially at peak times when distance was impossible.

Sweden has so far not recommended wearing masks anywhere outside of health services, a unique position in Europe and even in the world.

The Scandinavian country also exhibits a temporary law allowing the closure of makeshift shops and restaurants, although the government plans that the text should not come into force until mid-March.

Negotiations are underway to speed up the process, however.