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In view of the rapidly increasing number of corona infections, Sweden is constantly deviating from its special way of dealing with the pandemic.

The government announced on Friday that the number of visitors allowed in restaurants, shops and fitness studios will be restricted from next week.

Mask requirements will also apply in local public transport.

The ban on the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants, which has previously been in force from 10 p.m., will be imposed nationwide from 8 p.m.

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven added that employees with non-systemically relevant jobs would be encouraged to work in the home office.

According to Education Minister Anna Ekström, schools should continue to plan with distance teaching.

The new measures will come into force on December 24th.

Compared to other European countries, Sweden had so far followed a relatively relaxed corona course with few restrictions.

The government has neither imposed lockdowns nor closed stores, but relied on citizens' sense of responsibility and common sense to contain the virus.

Since the first corona infections appeared in Sweden, there have been appeals to adhere to distance rules, but schools, pubs and restaurants have remained open.

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But recently the Scandinavian country has seen a sharp increase in confirmed cases that put a strain on its health system.

The virus is spreading rapidly, especially among healthcare professionals.

“We are following our strategy,” said Löfven

The situation is still very serious, admitted Löfven.

Therefore, his government is now reacting with new restrictions on public activities.

Nevertheless, she decided against a comprehensive lockdown, as in her opinion this was "a burden for the population".

“We are following our strategy,” said Löfven at the press conference.

Vice Prime Minister Isabella Lövin added that a return to normal everyday life is not possible.

"The pandemic is a matter of life and death."

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Sweden, with its more than ten million inhabitants, has so far reported 367 120 confirmed corona infections and almost 8,000 deaths related to the virus.

This means that the country has one of the highest Covid 19 death rates in the world measured by population.

Nevertheless, the government's chief epidemiologist, Anders Tegnell, has repeatedly defended the Swedish special route.

At the beginning of the week, however, he admitted that the number of deaths should rise in the coming weeks.