Until now, it has been up to the region's infection control physicians to decide whether a serving place must close. The new temporary law, which comes into force today, July 1, means that the municipalities take over responsibility.

The municipalities can decide on an injunction to remove, for example, a chair at each table. Ultimately, there may be talk of a closure.

- The new thing for us is that it is now our board that makes decisions. We do not change our way of working. We have done many inspections during the spring, says Louise Karlsson, environmental and health protection inspector in the municipality of Växjö.

Prevention

During the spring, the municipalities' environmental and health inspectors and food inspectors went to several restaurants and taverns to carry out checks. Tables have been moved and floors have been marked to reduce the risk of congestion. 

But for tourist municipalities like Borgholm and Västervik, it is only now that it will become clear if it has been sufficient.

- The test will now be when the big holiday period begins. We will make unannounced visits, says Lars Kåremyr, environmental manager at Västervik.

- There will be more work for us, says Anna Stjärndahl, Head of Unit at the Environmental Unit in Borgholm Municipality.

In Växjö municipality, so far no restaurant has had to close.

- We have received complaints that we have followed up and we have done follow-up checks, says Louise Karlsson.