The extension of the restrictions will only take place after a round of consultations, but the government has already announced that it still wants the rules aimed at the industry to remain until the summer of 2021.
- I think it is clear to everyone that we are still in the middle of a pandemic.
That we would remove all existing restrictions at the turn of the year, I think feels completely unreasonable and I hope that Visita (the hospitality industry industry organization, editor's note), visitors to restaurants and everyone else realizes, says Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren.
"Extremely surprised"
But judging by the reactions, the minister does not seem to have the industry with him.
- We are extremely surprised and upset that the government is going out with this without having a dialogue with us.
It is inconceivable that you can do this to industries that are already suffering, Visita's CEO Jonas Siljhammar told SVT after the government's announcement on Friday.
Can give opinions
Lena Hallengren points out that the proposal is not yet on the table and that there are opportunities to provide views.
- It is of course the case that we do not take stricter and tougher measures than we think we must, but we need to have legislation in place with the opportunity to take measures so that the spread of infection does not increase because then it is much tougher time that applies, says Hallengren who announces that a definitive message about the restrictions will come in a few weeks.