The contagious delta variant continues to dominate in Sweden.

Last week, 3,451 confirmed cases of covid-19 were reported - an increase of about 30 percent compared to the week before.

In a majority of the cases, people under the age of 40 were infected, according to the Swedish Public Health Agency's weekly report. 

The incidence over 14 days last week was 59 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

This means that the spread of infection is no longer at what is classified as low levels.

The next phase in easing the restrictions is expected to take place in September, according to the government's plan.

But then the spread of infection must have decreased significantly.

- If we enter the autumn with high levels of spread of infection, it will be difficult to reduce the restrictions.

And then it will be a difficult and boring autumn again, says state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell to SvD.

Crowds in restaurants and tourist resorts

On the EU's infection control authority ECDC's map, in principle the whole of Sweden is yellow, which means an incidence of over 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The only part of the country that is not yellow is Stockholm, which is red - where the incidence is even higher.

FHM has received several reports of congestion in metropolitan restaurants.

Congestion at entertainment venues is one of the reasons for the increasing spread of infection, according to FHM.

The second reason is travel.

The proportion of cases of covid-19 with a connection to travel abroad was 17 percent last week.

- We see a lot of cases with people who have been infected abroad in popular travel destinations in Europe, says Tegnell in the weekly report.

Tegnell: "Pandemic still going on"

The spread of infection has continued to increase in parts of Europe, which entails a risk, especially for unvaccinated Swedish travelers.

Domestic congestion also occurs.

Reports from several Swedish holiday resorts, including Gotland, have been received by the authority.

- It is not good, the pandemic is still ongoing and you should continue to follow the recommendations to keep your distance, says Tegnell.