Stefan Lofven
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / AFP / Getty Images
Photographer: Henrik Montgomery / AFP / Getty Images
Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said there is now a “high risk” of a further increase in coronavirus infections, potentially justifying the country’s first blockade since the pandemic began almost a year ago.
“We are seeing an increase in cases again, we need to take further action,” Lofven said at a news conference in Stockholm on Wednesday. “If the situation gets worse, the government is prepared to impose a possible blockade on parts of Sweden. Hopefully, this will not be necessary. “
Sweden had to acknowledge that its previous laissez-faire response to the pandemic resulted in a mortality rate much higher than that seen among its Nordic neighbors, prompting the government to reverse the course. Last month, Sweden enacted a law that allows it to impose blockades, and authorities have progressively restricted requirements this year.
Read: Facial mask skepticism decreases in Sweden as infection rates rise
Meanwhile, Sweden’s infection rate has continued to rise. In Stockholm, the number of new coronavirus cases increased by 27% last week.
Lofven said that development requires a series of stricter measures, including …
- Limits on the number of people allowed in stores and gyms
- Restaurants across the country cannot remain open after 8:30 pm, starting March 1
- Schools may need to be closed if the infection rate continues to increase
– With the help of Ott Ummelas