The Swedish Public Health Agency warns of a third wave of infections in Sweden.
Minor changes in people's behavior can make a big difference in reducing the spread of infection, says Anders Tegnell.
- It is again a period when it will be very important how we manage to stay apart for another period, he says.
The real effect of the vaccine is delayed
According to the Swedish Public Health Agency, the priority groups of, for example, elderly people must all be vaccinated in April.
But Sweden's municipalities and regions, SKR, believe that it will take longer.
- It all depends on the vaccine deliveries.
They will be uncertain through April.
The regions have the capacity to use all vaccines that come in, says Anders Tegnell.
Just over 276,000 have been vaccinated in Sweden. How many must be vaccinated before we start to see an effect?
- Very many more.
The vaccinations that are being done now and at least two months ahead are all about reducing the death rate and the serious illness.
When we then start vaccinating the general population in April, May, June sometime, we can start to see effects.
The third wave may strike in a few weeks
According to Anders Tegnell, it is unclear how much a new British mutation of the virus plays a role in increasing the spread of infection.
A third wave could be avoided if Swedes go back to having as little contact with each other as during the Christmas weekend.
In the UK, they have succeeded in reducing the spread of infection.
The same pattern is seen in Sweden.
- The measures we have in place also work on this tribe, but we need to have them somewhat more effective than now.
In a worst case scenario, when can a third wave occur?
- In a few weeks.
We are in a situation with a lot of spread in society.
Then it goes very fast for the spread to go up again.
We need to get further down the spread of infection to feel safe.