Sweden: Government extends entry restrictions through May 16 /update 6

Event

On Thursday, April 16, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announced that the temporary closure of Sweden's borders to most visitors from non-EU countries will be extended for 30 days until Saturday, May 16, amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The measure was originally set to end on Friday, April 17. In addition to EU citizens and permanent residents, individuals with "particularly important reasons" will be allowed to enter the country.

Due to the ongoing spread of the virus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its advice against all nonessential travel to all countries until Monday, June 15. The decision to issue the advice was originally made on Saturday, March 14.

Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA) has suspended all flights from Monday, April 6, through Sunday, May 31, amid a drop in consumer demand.

The Swedish government previously announced on Wednesday, March 11, that all public gatherings and events must be limited to no more than 500 participants. This includes demonstrations and events held for sports, culture, religion, and any other gathering in which freedom of assembly is exercised.

As of April 16, there have been 12,540 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sweden, including 1333 associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantine measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.