NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Swedish Public Health Agency made an overall assessment that the government should proceed with the plan to lift many of the COVID-19 restrictions on 29 September 2021.

Stockholm
Sweden/CIA

For example, the restrictions on how many people can participate in a public gathering or a public event and the requirement for seated dining in restaurants removed. The Swedish Public Health Agency’s general advice on working from home is also removed and a gradual return to the workplace can begin.

The Public Health Agency’s overall assessment is based primarily on the increasing vaccination coverage. Healthcare burden, mortality and an assessment of the risk of increasing the spread of infection are also taken into account.

The call to get vaccinated remains and a high level of vaccination coverage is the most important prerequisite for later being able to lift further restrictions.

More people need to be vaccinated at all ages, and this is especially true among younger adults and middle-aged people and in certain other groups where vaccination coverage is low. Overall, we have good vaccination coverage and it will increase in September, while the number of cases of serious illness and the number of deaths have reached lower levels. It is therefore time to continue lifting the restrictions, says Johan Carlson, CEO.

The Swedish Public Health Agency considers that covid-19 is a disease that we must learn to live with in society and the work with testing and infection tracking in the regions must continue. Should the development turn to critical levels, there is a readiness to impose restrictions again.

Vaccination is the most effective tool we have. The important work of reaching people and groups who have not yet been vaccinated must therefore continue, says Johan Carlson.

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