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Updated: Dec 19, 2020 4:00:31 PM
Panoramic image of Stockholm, Sweden during sunset. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sweden introduced new coronavirus restrictions on Friday, though many of the measures are only recommendations, with Prime Minister Stefan Lofven saying “people will not tolerate” tougher restrictions.
As the number of cases continues to rise across Europe, Austria and Switzerland – known alongside Sweden for their relatively light touch regarding COVID-19 – have also announced strains on public life.
The Swedish government, which has so far left most schools, businesses and restaurants open during the pandemic, has announced the closure of non-essential public workplaces, such as gyms, swimming pools and libraries.
Prime Minister Lofven also said that wearing face masks would now be recommended on public transport during rush hour.
“Now we see that we need to do more because we see that the spread of the infection is too severe and we still have a tense situation in the healthcare system,” Lofven said.
The government has asked citizens to limit gatherings to eight people, but there are no penalties for breaking the rules.
Lofven refrained from imposing a “very serious lockdown” because it “would not have a long term effect because people would not tolerate it.”
With nearly 8,000 deaths from COVID-19, Sweden’s per capita death rate is higher than that of its northern neighbors. However, it is lower than that of several other European countries that have imposed lockdowns, such as the UK, Spain, France and Belgium – all admittedly much more densely populated countries.
Sweden was reprimanded earlier this week by an independent commission and its own royalty, with King Gustaf saying evidence now suggests the country’s strategy had ‘failed’.
Switzerland is following suit
Meanwhile, Switzerland headed for a second lockdown on Friday as the government ordered restaurants and entertainment venues closed for a month, starting Tuesday, while urging citizens to stay at home.
The government appears to be moving away from its ‘middle path’ approach of avoiding crippling consequences for business, as it has recognized that immediate action is vital to stem the spread of the virus.
Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset said his country’s infection rate over the past two weeks “is three times that of Spain and nearly three times that of France and Belgium, where we know that the situation has been very difficult.
Austria reimposes lockdown from December 26
Austria has joined with fellow Europeans in tightening restrictions, even if not until Christmas on December 26.
Just 11 days ago, Austria’s second national lockdown ended, but on Friday Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said non-essential stores would close again, along with services such as hairdressers.
Travel outside the home will again be limited to the bare essentials, such as buying food or exercising.
From January 18, stores and restaurants will reopen – but only for those who have tested negative as part of a planned mass coronavirus screening program. The schools will resume face-to-face teaching on the same date.
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