Despite new restrictions: Only small spread of infection in restaurants and bars

Yesterday, the government announced that it wants to ban the serving of alcohol after 10 pm and that restaurants must close no later than 10.30 pm.

The question is whether the measure really has any major effect on the spread of infection in the country.

SVT's review of the infection control units' reports to the Swedish Public Health Agency

shows that the infection control units have reported 16 outbreaks related to restaurants, restaurants and bars since 21 September.

117 reported cases

In total, there are 117 confirmed cases.

Just over five per cent of all cases have been reported to have taken place in public environments.

However, the number of infections may be more than what has been reported.

The figures are based solely on the data on outbreaks that have come to the attention of the regions' infection control units.

But it still gives an indication that the spread of infection has so far been very small in the Swedish pub environment.  

International experience shows that restaurants can be an environment with extensive spread of infection, but this has not been seen in Sweden, according to the Swedish Public Health Agency's state epidemiologist.

"Proof that the restaurants do a good job"

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I think we can take the few cases as proof that the restaurants are doing a good job of following the recommendations and regulations that are in place, says Anders Tegnell.

He believes that the great spread of infection takes place in the home, at work and at private parties.

The government's proposal to stop alcohol and earlier closure has been met with strong criticism from the bleeding restaurant industry, which questions why the restaurants are singled out as contagious.

"A decision on vague grounds"

- Yes, I think it is a scandal that you make a decision on such vague grounds.

And that there are no clear statistics that show that this would be an important decision to reduce the spread of infection, says Jonas Siljhammar who is CEO of the industry organization Visita.

Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren writes in a comment to SVT that alcohol can lead to the judgment failing and that people start to neglect the rules on keeping their distance.

Asked why the government chooses to tighten measures where there are minor problems with the spread of infection, Prime Minister Stefan Löfven answers.

- I have never said that it was the main problem or that this is the big bulk but it is part of the problem.