After 18 months of pandemic and more than 14,900 deaths recorded in the country, Wednesday, September 29 marks the end of almost all restrictions and health recommendations in Sweden. Here's what changes from today for the fourth and penultimate leg of the reopening schedule.

“Now we are in a much better position. It is time for the Swedish people to come together in football stadiums, workplaces and restaurants ”said Minister of Health and Social Affairs Lena Hallengren for the new stage of the reopening schedule in the face of the pandemic of Covid-19. Indoor and outdoor events are full again, no more social distancing and imposed standards in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, then a gradual return to face-to-face work, here is what the Swedes will finally find. A return to normal life, at least for the vaccinated. Still no health passport imposed, as in France for example, but non-vaccinated people are called upon to continue to respect health recommendations and above all, to be vaccinated as soon as possible. 

Full concerts and sporting events

As of today, the limit on the number of participants in public and private gatherings and events is completely removed. This means that it is once again possible to fill stadiums, concert halls, lounges and more, both indoors and outdoors. The government has also announced that there will be no need for a vaccination certificate to access any event. For those who have not yet been vaccinated, they are simply advised to keep their distance and avoid large gatherings.

A gradual return to the workplace

From September 29, the recommendations of the Swedish Public Health Agency (ASSP) on teleworking are also lifted. This means that many homeworkers can now gradually return to their business premises. Recommendations for digital meetings and exchanges are also disappearing. The same goes for the few distance courses in schools.

Nightlife regains its rights

The few restrictions imposed, which mainly concerned nightclubs and restaurants, such as the distance between tables and the maximum number of people in each group, are now removed. Likewise for measures in private gatherings, such as weddings or birthdays. This therefore means that it is again possible to move and dance in nightclubs and bars, for example. These establishments are also returning to their normal opening and service hours, as before.

 
What restrictions and recommendations remain in effect?

There will still be a fifth and final step in the Swedish government's plan for the reopening of the country, with the total removal of restrictions and health recommendations. However, no date has yet been set. PHAS's general advice on staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms of the virus remains. For people who are not vaccinated or have not yet received their two doses, they are still advised to maintain social distancing and avoid large events. They should also avoid close contact with people at risk and those aged 70 and over. The advisory does not apply to people under the age of 18 or who for medical reasons cannot be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The government has also decided to extend the laws around Covid-19, in particular that on temporary hygiene control measures in establishments with spaces "at risk of infection" until January 2022.