The goal in Sweden has for some time been to test 100,000 people a week, something that has not been achieved. The government now announces that it will allocate an additional 5.9 billion, in addition to the billion already decided, for large-scale testing and infection detection.

- With this initiative, we ensure that there are sufficient resources to support the regions for extended testing. It is now quite clear that the government is taking the cost of the extended testing, says Per Bolund at a press conference on Thursday.

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The state will now finance all sampling of suspected active infection - regardless of whether the patient belongs to a risk group.

- The priority groups that applied when the spread of infection was extensive will no longer be governing, says Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S).

To avoid the need for personnel to use protective equipment at each test occasion, some of the testing will be performed on drive stations and some through self-sampling. In the latter alternative, a pre-packaged sample kit will be offered home along with instructions for the test. It is then collected by a courier company for analysis in the laboratory.

- It is entirely funded by the state. Examination, care and treatment that the physician deems to reduce the risk of infection are free for the individual, says Per Bolund.

However, it is not entirely clear what it will look like in each region as these are still responsible for administering the testing. Anyone who feels snug will also not be able to order a test, but it will be done after a medical assessment.

The billion effort also includes tests of the infection, ie antibody tests.

- For some time there have been several tests that are of high quality. Now we also have a little more on our feet when it comes to what such a test result can say about the protection of a new infection, says Lena Hallengren, and continues:

- There is money set aside for such testing to be free of charge for healthcare professionals, including staff in care, users, special housing, home care and staff in other socially important activities. The government's focus is that the other population should also be offered antibody testing, but for a patient fee.