The Swedish government on Thursday (January 21)  decided to extend restrictive coronavirus-related measures over the surge in infections, Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said. Lofven told before media that the epidemiological situation in the country remained critical with the healthcare system put under immense pressure.

According to his statement it is quoted that "The recommendation for the use of protective masks in public transport will be in force until spring.

He directed, Restaurants and bars will not be allowed to serve alcohol after 8.00 p.m. (19:00 GMT) up until February 7. Lofven also directed that the government agencies must take further measures to increase the proportion of employees working from home. In addition, the authorities adjusted and extended their recommendations on secondary schools.

"The adjustments mean that education in the upper secondary school must combine distance learning and full-time classroom learning. These recommendations are valid until April 1," Swedish Education Minister Anna Ekstrom said during the same briefing.

Sweden has so far recorded about 538,000 COVID-19 cases and 10,700 deaths.

Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Its principal cities, eastern capital Stockholm and south-western Gothenburg and Malmö, are all coastal. Stockholm is built on 14 islands. It has more than 50 bridges, as well as the medieval old town, Gamla Stan, royal palaces and museums such as open-air Skansen.

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