The number of confirmed cases of covid-19 has increased sharply in Sweden in recent days.

In the last seven days until yesterday, 19,390 people had tested positive.

Anders Tegnell now comments on the spread of infection.

- We definitely see a dramatic increase in the number of cases and we must take that seriously.

And we have done that too, he says in SVT's Morgonstudion.

- At the same time, we must remember that we are very far from the situation we had last spring.

We have 10-15 percent of the spread of infection we had you, he says.

Younger drivers of the spread of infection

According to Anders Tegnell, it is mainly in the age group 20-60 years that the infection spreads and he now calls for greater responsibility in that group.

- It's a little different.

But the overarching theme is this with social gatherings, private parties, parties in connection with workplaces and studies.

We must try to postpone this for a number of weeks now so we can calm this down, he says.

When asked about the role of public transport in the spread of infection, and how he views the actions of those responsible, he answers:

- Now I know that you do as much as you can.

But again, we should not focus on the fact that public transport is our big problem.

Our big problem is the private togetherness where we meet people we would not otherwise meet.

Then it is good to avoid congestion in other contexts, but it is the private gatherings that are driving the infection right now, says Anders Tegnell.

Sees no increased risk with the Vasaloppet

On Thursday, it also became clear that the Vasaloppet will be arranged next year.

Anders Tegnell states that he does not see any direct danger from the point of view of the spread of infection.

- Not compared to if you had done what you usually do.

All gatherings involve risks and it is very important that you think about it all the time and definitely do not go on that type of activity if you are the least bit sick.

There is an individual responsibility even on those occasions, he says.

- We have had a dialogue with them on how we can do it in a reasonable way.

I think they have found very innovative ways to reduce congestion.

There will be no mass starts, but you spread the starts over a longer period of time.