The Swedish authorities have announced that in accordance with the country’s reopening plan, as of today, 15 July, several measures introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted.

Therefore, as the number of cases of COVID-19 infection and the number of people requiring hospital treatment has decreased significantly, the country will continue with step three to phase out the restrictions, reports SchengenVisaInfo.com.

According to a joint press release from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, it has been revealed that when it comes to the pandemic situation in the country, the trends are “Heading in the right direction”.

“Overall, the degree of infection, the pressure on health care and the population’s vaccination rate are at levels that allow restrictions to be lifted. For this reason, the Government and the Public Health Agency have made the assessment that it is appropriate to proceed with step 3 of the Government’s plan to phase out the restrictions, “ the ministry’s statement reads.

As such, step three of Sweden’s plan to alleviate the restrictions contains the following changes:

From today, operators of long-distance public transport will be able to drive at full capacity. Passengers are still urged to be careful. Those who show symptoms of the coronavirus are advised not to use public transport.

Various municipalities in the country will no longer prohibit the public from visiting certain cramped places. Previously, the ban was used as a tool by the Swedish authorities to limit congestion in public spaces such as beaches and parks.

In accordance with the Government’s plan to alleviate the restrictions, it has also been announced that the Swedish Public Health Agency has also made a number of other changes.

Thus, with the exception of the options mentioned above, the rule on the number of people allowed per square meter in museums, shopping malls, amusement parks, gyms and several other places will be removed. Such rules will apply to both indoor and outdoor events.

“Advice for theme parks on, for example, how to place groups for rides and attractions will be removed. The size of groups with designated seats at public gatherings or events, including football matches, will be increased from four people to eight people. “ allowed the ministry.

The next step for the Swedish government to gradually lift the restrictions, stage four, has been planned by the authorities in September, provided that the frequency of infection remains low and the vaccination rate continues to increase.

Earlier, the Swedish authorities announced that in accordance with the EU recommendation, residents of several third countries will have access for non-essential purposes.