Decision on stricter general recommendations in Jönköping County, Halland County and Örebro County

The Public Health Agency of Sweden has decided on stricter general recommendations after consultation with infection control doctors and county administrative boards in Örebro, Jönköping and Halland Counties.

The stricter recommendations are applicable until 24 November 2020 but may be extended.

The number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 in the three affected counties has increased significantly. This has resulted in an increased burden on healthcare services, with more patients being admitted to hospital with Covid-19, including intensive care. The number of infected people in various forms of residential care for the elderly (SÄBO) has also increased. Testing and contact tracing resources are severely stretched. Consequently, extra measures based on the Swedish Public Health Agency of Sweden's regulations and general recommendations are now required in addition to those already in force throughout the country.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden's Director General, Johan Carlson, has therefore decided, in consultation with infection control doctors, county administrative boards and regional councils in the three counties, that local general recommendations will apply for a limited period of time in order to curb further local outbreaks.

As of 3 November, everyone in Jönköping, Halland and Örebro Counties is encouraged to:

• Refrain from visits to indoor environments such as shops, shopping centres, museums, libraries, swimming pools and gyms. Necessary visits to grocery stores and pharmacies are allowed.
• Refrain from participating in gatherings such as meetings, concerts, performances, sports training, matches and competitions. However, this does not apply to sports training for children and young people born in 2005 or later.
• If possible, physical contact with people other than those with whom you live should be avoided. This means, among other things, refraining from arranging or attending parties and similar social gatherings.
• Necessary close contact is allowed, for example during healthcare visits and medical examinations. However, anyone with possible Covid-19 symptoms should avoid any close contact with other people.

The decision also includes stricter general recommendations for workplaces and businesses – such as shops, shopping centres and sports facilities – in Jönköping, Halland and Örebro Counties:

• All businesses should take steps to ensure that each and every one can follow the general recommendations in the event of a local outbreak of Covid-19. This may entail, for example, that businesses minimise the number of visitors present on their premises at the same time, adapt opening hours or offer digital alternatives.
• Employers should take measures such as encouraging personnel to work from home, offering more opportunities for remote work and postponing business travel, conferences and other physical meetings.