Sweden ends vaccination exemption for Nordic neighbors
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) – Swedish authorities said on Thursday that citizens from other Nordic countries must present a valid vaccination certificate against covid-19 when they enter Sweden from next week.
From 21 December, people from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland will no longer have an exemption from the certificate requirement and must also present their passports to enter Sweden.
Sweden’s Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren also urged all travelers to be tested for the coronavirus upon entry due to a “deteriorating” public health situation.
– The spread of infection is increasing sharply. The new virus variant omicron makes it difficult to predict the spread of infection in the future, Hallengren said during a press conference.
Sweden has previously stood out among European nations for its comparatively practical response to the coronavirus.
The Swedish government has not ordered closures or closed companies during the pandemic, but instead relies on citizens’ sense of civic duty to control infections. Authorities have emphasized individual responsibility instead of government assignments.
For individuals who are “fully vaccinated and healthy, it is OK to celebrate Christmas with relatives and friends, but be prepared to cancel if you get symptoms,” Hallengren said. She urged the Swedes to “choose a smaller party” to call in the new year.
In Denmark, Queen Margrethe has canceled the pompous ceremonies in early January, where she traditionally receives New Year’s greetings from the government, senior officials, civil society organizations and the diplomatic corps.
On Wednesday, the palace said her daughter-in-law, Australian-born Crown Princess Mary, had tested positive and was in isolation. Mary is married to Margrethe’s eldest son and heir to the throne, Crown Prince Frederik.
In neighboring Norway, a banquet was also canceled on January 21 for the 18th birthday of Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne after her father, Crown Prince Haakon. ___
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