The coronavirus pandemic has put many municipalities in a strained situation. Concern is greatest in municipalities with small resources or a lot of summer guests.

“The situation in healthcare and care is already severely strained due to covid-19, the municipality has difficulty manning the care operations due to high sickness rates. According to the Work Environment Act, the municipality also has a responsibility to maintain a good working environment for our employees, ”wrote the Municipality of Orust in its response to JO.

In addition to Orust, several other west coast municipalities such as Sotenäs, Falkenberg, Uddevalla, Laholm and Varberg have made similar political decisions in the municipality. A total of 60 municipalities have announced to Sweden's municipalities and regions that they will not provide home service to residents from other municipalities if such a request comes.

"We are protecting the infection of our elders over other legislation right now," Henrik Lindh, Orust's deputy director, told TT earlier this summer.

But according to the Ombudsman for Justice, the municipality does not have the right to choose whether or not to comply with the legislation.

"The local council has made a decision that does not support the law and deserves criticism for this."

The municipalities wanted the government to introduce a temporary change in the law that gave them the right to refuse assistance during the summer. The Social Committee in the Riksdag proposed a swift change in the law in a report on 28 May and a majority of the Riksdag supported the proposal.

But last week, Social Minister Lena Hallengren (S) announced that it is not relevant to make any changes to the law.

Hearing, Orust municipal councilor Catharina Bråkenhielm (S) was previously told if there will be no temporary change in the law that would allow municipalities to deny care and care to summer guests.

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