Sweden tightens rules as numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths increase
As the number of new cases and deaths from COVID-19 rises sharply in Sweden the government and the Public Health Agency have presented new measures for how people can further slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The death toll in Sweden is now 239. Almost 5,000 cases of the virus have been detected so far, and almost 400 people are in or have been in intensive care for COVID-19.
The new guidelines are:
- Avoid travelling on public transport during rush hours.
- Avoid gathering in places with lots of people.
- Shops must restrict the number of people they allow in, and either stop queues forming, or make sure people make space in the queues.
- The companies that run public transport must not cut the number of services to save money. They must also limit the number of people in each bus or train.
- Sports organisations have been told to cancel all upcoming matches and tournaments.
Other advice to reduce the infection rate is for clubs and associations to delay their annual meetings, or hold them online.
The new recommendations are added to the existing ones, such as banning gatherings of more than 50 people, staying home if you feel any cold or flu symptoms, and washing your hands.
The law on infectious disease control places obligations on collective bodies such as councils, private companies, churches and clubs, to make sure these recommendations are followed.
Listen to the report to hear more.
