Since the beginning of the pandemic, the government has put in place crisis measures for a total of SEK 400 billion.

But when the restrictions are lifted tomorrow, Wednesday, financial support will remain stable.

- The card is lying, says Minister of Finance Mikael Damberg (S).

He describes the economic situation as good - mainly thanks to the support for short-term work.

- Sweden has coped well with the crisis compared to many other countries.

Sweden has made a rapid recovery, but we have also had a small fall in GDP, he says.

For jobs and companies, this means that adjustment support and sales support to individual traders apply until 28 February.

Sales support to trading companies is valid until 20 February.

In addition, compensation for sick pay costs above the normal up to and including 31 March applies, tax-free benefit of free parking at the workplace applies until 30 June, deferral of tax payments is extended as well as temporarily abolished waiting period for support for short-term work.

"Restart phase"

Support will also be given to regional airports of SEK 100 million in 2022.

- We know that it is important not to withdraw support too early.

At the same time, it is important to emphasize that we need to abandon the acute crisis policy, says Mikael Damberg.

At the same time, the event support is extended until 30 June 2022. SEK 1 billion is also given to culture, SEK 420 million goes to sports and support to civil society of SEK 130 million is added.

- The funds will be paid out and be an important support in the restart phase that is now taking over for these operations, says Mikael Damberg.

Serving places open as usual

The infection control measures will remain in place throughout March.

This means that compensation for qualifying period deductions, compensation for risk groups, temporary parental benefit in the event of school closure and for parents of certain recently seriously ill children and the abolition of the requirement for a medical certificate during the sick pay period remains for another two months.

Resources are also provided for vaccines, testing and infection tracing.

This means that support for urgent medical transports is extended until 30 April 2022 and the abolished free amount for study grants applies until 30 June 2022.

At the same time, the participation ceiling for all public gatherings and events is abolished, which means that restaurants can be open as usual and that the square meter requirement is abolished.

- Even if the pandemic is not over, we are entering a new phase where we can restart Sweden and regain control of welfare, says Lena Hallengren.