The Swedish Public Health Agency sees worrying signs that the spread of the coronavirus is once again starting to pick up speed in nursing homes.
According to state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, the number of cases has doubled in the last week.
However, he does not believe that this can be linked to the fact that nursing homes are now open to visitors again, as the spread started before the restraining order was lifted.
- It is a strong signal to nursing homes that you must keep track and try housing and staff generously, says Tegnell.
Stricter advice for increased spread of infection
At today's press conference, the Swedish Public Health Agency also announced that it is tightening the general guidelines from 19 October and two weeks onwards.
This means that the Swedish Public Health Agency, in consultation with infection control physicians, must be able to make decisions on measures to increase the spread of infection in certain regions.
- It can, for example, be about the public refraining from going to restaurants, refraining from using public transport or refraining from going to a shopping center or visiting special housing, says the Public Health Agency's General Counsel Bitte Bråstad.
According to her, it is still unclear whether the advice will need to be used or not.
She believes that these are temporary measures that can be in force for a couple of weeks.