The government of Sweden announced on Tuesday that it will proceed with easing COVID restrictions at the end of September, removing most curbs and limits on public venues such as restaurants, theatres, and stadiums.
Read below what COVID restrictions will be removed by the Sweden government
High vaccination levels throughout the population are the single most important prerequisite that will allow all restrictions to be lifted. However, the assessment was also based on the burden on health services, mortality rates and an assessment of the risk of increased transmission.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden’s overall assessment is that it is possible to implement stage 4 of the government’s plan for removing restrictions on 29 September 2021. This means that many of the restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 can be removed.
The following will happen as we move into stage 4 of the government’s plan for removing restrictions:
- Restrictions on attendance numbers for public gatherings and events will be removed
- Restrictions on attendance numbers for private gatherings at rented premises, for example, will be removed
- Remaining restrictions on catering establishments, including the size of parties and distance between parties, will be removed
- The Public Health Agency’s advice to work from home will be removed and a gradual return to the workplace can begin. Anyone with symptoms should continue to stay at home and be tested, and employers should then facilitate working from home.
Vaccination certificates for large public gatherings and events if needed
However, in line with the Government’s plan for removal of restrictions, the Public Health Agency has previously argued that certain specific regulations may still be needed for very large public gatherings and events going forward.
In order to be prepared, the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs will therefore shortly be submitting a memorandum proposing that vaccination certificates can be used at these major public gatherings and events during stage 4.
The proposal means that any restrictions on attendance numbers that may be necessary for public gatherings and events with 15,000 or more attendees would not apply if the vaccination certificate system is used. This means that the organiser will not be obliged to limit the number of attendees on premises and in defined areas or spaces at the organiser’s disposal if there are restrictions in respect of this. Exceptions will be made for children under 16 and people who should not be vaccinated for medical reasons.
