The coronavirus rules and recommendations you should still be following in Sweden this autumn

The following rules apply across the whole country until further notice.

Restrictions could change in future, and the Public Health Agency is looking into tighter local restrictions in response to outbreaks, which would likely be limited to a specific time period and specific geographical locations. You can find the latest up-to-date information in English from The Local, Krisinformation, and the Public Health Agency.

Large gatherings

Public events with more than 50 people are currently banned in Sweden due to the pandemic. This applies to concerts, demonstrations, and theatre performances for example, but not to workplaces, shopping centres or private events. However, even in circumstances where this law doesn't apply, you are expected to avoid meeting in big groups.

The Public Health Agency asks everyone to avoid organising or participating in "large events", including parties, weddings and funerals. 

At restaurants, bars and nightclubs other rules apply. Although more than 50 people are allowed, venues should have other measures in place in order to limit crowding, with table service only and space between tables. It is not just venues that have the responsibility to ensure this, but also individuals, with authorities asking that people not enter crowded places. 

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Stay at home if you are ill

If you are experiencing any symptoms of the coronavirus, you should stay at home. That means not leaving the house to meet other people, go to work or school, or go to shops. The official advice is to stay at home for at least two full days after becoming entirely free of symptoms.

You should also get tested if your symptoms last for longer than 24 hours. If you test positive for Covid-19, you should continue to stay at home for a minimum of seven days after the first symptom, and at least two days after becoming fever-free, according to the Public Health Agency. If you test negative, you should still stay at home until you are entirely symptom-free.

Symptoms could be a fever, loss of sense of smell or taste, cough, runny nose, among other things, and you do not need to be experiencing more than one symptom for the advice to apply. You should contact 1177 if you need medical advice.

Photo: Isabell Höjman/TT

Stay at home if someone in your household has Covid-19

Even if you yourself have no symptoms, you are considered a possible Covid-19 case if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

This means adults are asked to stay at home for seven days after the household member tests positive, and take a coronavirus test after five days. If you develop symptoms or test positive, you should follow the advice outlined above. Children are allowed to attend school or preschool even if a household member has Covid-19.

Anyone affected by the rules should be contacted by an infection tracker, or you can contact your doctor or 1177.

Keep your distance indoors and outdoors

Everyone should keep a distance from people outside their own household, whether indoors or outdoors. That means following markers and signs in shops and workplaces, staying seated at your table in restaurants as much as possible, and keeping distance in other situations.

Health authorities have advised against hugging or kissing friends outside your household, and although there is no official limit on the number of people or households you can socialise with, the advice is to keep this circle limited.

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A billboard in Stockholm reminds people that keeping two metres apart as often as possible is "a way to save lives". Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

Stay safe on public transport

The Public Health Agency asks everyone to use other means of transport than public transport if possible, such as walking, cycling, or driving, and using transport where you can book an allocated seat if possible.

If you need to use public transport, avoid rush hour if possible and keep distance from other people while onboard and at stations or platforms. 

If you are in a risk group or aged over 70

People who are aged over 70 or in another group at high risk of serious illness from Covid-19 should follow special precautions. This group is asked to limit social contacts as much as possible and keep a minimum of an arm's length distance from anyone you meet outside your household. Unfortunately, that means no hugs with grandchildren for example.

The Public Health Agency advises meeting outside if possible, keeping a distance, and washing your hands thoroughly as soon as you get home.

You should also avoid areas with groups of people, including public transport and shops. If possible, get your shopping delivered to your home.

However, the Public Health Agency has said it is looking into loosening the guidelines for this group soon. 

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