The government of Sweden has removed almost all of their Covid-19 restriction on 9 February and halted most of their testing, with some scientists asking the government to be more patient in fighting the pandemic amidst the increasing pressure on their healthcare system.
The Swedish government announced last week that they would remove the remaining restrictions as their severe cases and deaths have been softened by the less severe Omicron variant as well as their high vaccination rates.
Lena Hallengren, the Minister of Health for Sweden, said: “As we know this pandemic, I would say it’s over.”
She added, “It’s not over, but as we know it in terms of quick changes and restrictions, it is.”
Bars and restaurants have been allowed to remain open after 11pm as of Wednesday, and the number of guests has not been limited as well.
The attendance limits for larger indoor venues have also been lifted, along with the use of vaccine passes.
Sweden’s healthcare is currently feeling the strain at the moment with about 2,200 people infected and needing hospital care, and with free testing being reduced earlier this month, the exact number of cases at the moment is currently unknown.
Umea University’s professor Fredrik Elgh, said that the disease is still a huge strain on society and that they should have a little more patience and wait at least a couple more weeks.