The Government and the Public Health Agency have for a long time received questions about and in that case when it may be relevant to change or completely abolish recommendations for the elderly.

But several have reacted to the fact that it is happening now, when the number of infected is increasing, and not a few months earlier.

Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren emphasizes that before the summer it was impossible to know that the recommendations would be followed so well and the development of infection would thus be reversed.

"Take new steps"

- Now we have a situation where those over 70 and others in risk groups have isolated themselves, sometimes perhaps more than they have needed.

They have been very responsive.

But it is not possible in the long run not to shop yourself, not to have social contacts, says the minister.

At the same time, the message means that it will be extra important for other groups in society to "take new steps" and really follow the Public Health Agency's recommendations, she says and repeats Prime Minister Stefan Löfven's criticism of parties in cramped premises.

- It is not okay for us, on the one hand, to decide on tougher restrictions for certain areas and then at the same time there are groups, preferably young people, who feel that they are immortal and not covered by the restrictions as much.

But it's not.

If the spread of infection is to decrease, it is not least those who move around a lot in society who must think about it, says Hallengren.

More local recommendations

Earlier this week, the news came that Uppsala is the first region in the country to introduce regional recommendations.

Among other things, residents are urged to spend time only with people in the same household and to avoid using public transport.

Lena Hallengren believes that it may be relevant with more local recommendations.

But that 70-year-olds with the asserted recommendations would now act as if nothing has happened, she sees as unthinkable.

- I myself have heard many of them speak out and say that it will not be such a big change.

But they must feel that they are part of our common fight against this virus, that they also have a freedom to move.