Stefan Lofven said that the country is “facing a situation that risks becoming very black” and that “it can stay in the situation that it experienced last spring”.
Sweden has recorded unprecedented numbers of infections with the new coronavirus in recent weeks, which is putting pressure on the country’s health system and intensive care units.
“All indicators are pointing in the wrong direction,” said Lofven, during a joint press conference with Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren.
It specified that all places with permission to sell alcohol must close 30 minutes before 10:00 pm and described these places, in particular bars and night establishments, as “risky environments”.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Swedish capita reintroduced a ban on visiting homes and care facilities for the elderly, after a spike in infections with the new coronavirus was reported in these kinds of locations in Stockholm.
Sweden, which has opted to keep parts of its society open, had lifted in September a ban on visiting nursing homes.
Altogether, this country of 10 million people has registered 6,082 deaths and 166,707 infections since the beginning of the pandemic.
–
