Tegnell: Keep working from home

The Swedish corona situation has improved in recent weeks. All variables point in the right direction, says state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell.

- It has gone faster than many of us had dared to hope for, says Tegnell at a quick convened press conference with Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren on Thursday.

At the same time, the Swedish Public Health Agency expects that the spread of infection will continue during the autumn and that the risk of outbreaks is high.

As thousands of Swedes now return to work after the summer holidays, the authority therefore calls for continued teleworking also during the autumn.

- We will continue to recommend homework during the autumn. But those who have to go to work can do it, says Anders Tegnell.

The proportion who worked at home increased during the spring from 15 percent to 57 percent, according to a recent Sifo survey commissioned by Tele2, which SVT Nyheter previously reported on.

At the same time, the state epidemiologist emphasizes that teleworking over long periods can have several negative consequences.

- There are signals that homework and being as socially isolated as you become can have effects on mental well-being, says Tegnell.

- Here, the employer must consider how to set it up.

Those who still have to go to work should be able to do so without risk of infection. The industry organizations in public transport will next week present a detailed document for how they will meet the autumn. According to Tegnell, this includes driving half-full buses and trains.

- We believe that public transport can continue even during the autumn without an increased risk of infection, says Tegnell and continues:

- If there are other opportunities than public transport to get to work, you should use them.