- It was not until later in the evening that it was realized that "Well, when it comes to the theaters, not much has happened", says Niklas Hjulström, theater director for Västmanland's theater.

According to the proposal for new restrictions, the ban applies to all public gatherings and public events aimed at the general public.

The so-called troubadour exception, which meant that restaurants and similar activities could have performers for seated audiences if they served food or drink, is removed in this proposal.

The new restrictions led to Västmanland's theater, like many other theaters, agreeing to cancel all public events until 22 December.

Among other things, the set of Ibsen's A Doll's Home that would have premiered on Saturday.

It was not until later that theater director Niklas Hjulström realized that the exception for seated audiences still remained.

- This was communicated as if this overrides everything, now there will be new restrictions and that is why we agreed to close, says Niklas Hjulström.

He believes that the government could have been clearer about what actually applies to activities that are affected by the exemption for seated audiences.

- Stopping the spread of infection is the most important thing, but it does not feel like we work as a team here and are transparent.

Without being allowed to sit and interpret how to act, says Niklas Hjulström.

The county administrative boards set the maximum limits for seated audiences

The exception for seated audiences means that businesses with a police permit that can conduct their business in an infectious manner can have a higher maximum limit.

The government has set this ceiling at 300 people, but all county administrative boards except one have set the limit at 50 people.

The responsibility for lowering this limit down to eight people also lies with the county administrative boards, and not with the government.

Stefan Löfven said at Tuesday's press conference that even though the maximum limit of eight people does not apply to everything at the moment, it is still what should be considered the norm.

- It's simple, eight is the norm.

That must be the norm.

This is what we see in front of us that the authorities, the county administrative boards, make decisions about: because we are in that situation.

I have a hard time seeing that they will not make that decision, he says.

Kulturnyheterna has contacted Amanda Lind for a comment.