Sweden: Authorities maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions as of Jan. 4 /update 9

Sweden maintains COVID-19-related measures as of Jan. 4. Business and travel disruptions continue.

Event

Sweden is maintaining restrictions imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 4. Authorities are prohibiting travel from the UK and Denmark until at least Jan. 21 due to a new strain of COVID-19 active in these countries. Exceptions to this travel ban include Swedish nationals, transport workers, travel for urgent family reasons, and individuals who live or work in Sweden. Exempted travelers arriving from the UK must possess a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival in Sweden.

All nonessential travel from outside the EEA and Switzerland is banned until at least March 31. In line with EU recommendations, authorities are permitting travelers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay to enter. Exceptions to the ban include students, healthcare workers, cross-border workers, diplomats, freight workers, passengers in transit, and persons traveling on urgent family business. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise against all nonessential travel to countries outside the EEA and Switzerland.

Within Sweden, public gatherings and events of more than eight people are prohibited, except for funerals which are permitted up to 20 attendees. A maximum of four people per table is permitted at a bar or restaurant and the sale of alcohol is prohibited from 2000. Many public buildings, including bathhouses, museums, and sports halls, are closed until Jan. 24. Facemasks are recommended on public transport during rush hour. Travel providers have implemented strict hygiene and social-distancing measures on their services. Shops, catering establishments, and many nonessential businesses are open, though they must limit the number of customers and comply with social-distancing guidelines.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Postpone travel if affected by travel restrictions. Confirm flight status before checking out of accommodation and departing for the airport. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.