November 4, 2020
NOT IF BUT WHEN:
Even lockdown averse Sweden is tightening restrictions, as government warns of rising COVID-19 cases (NICLAS ROLANDER, 11/04/20, BLOOMBERG)
Swedes face a new wave of restrictions after daily coronavirus cases hit a record, with the government warning of a grim winter ahead.Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, said his country is now facing a "very serious situation" that requires tougher measures if the virus is to be fought back.The resurgence of Covid-19 across Europe has caught the region off guard after a summer that left many countries assuming they'd brought the virus under control. But as citizens grew complacent and temperatures dropped, the pandemic has returned with a vengeance.Lofven warned that the latest development is putting Sweden's health-care system under pressure, as more intensive care beds get filled."The brief respite that we got during the summer is over," he said. "How we act now will determine what kind of Christmas we will be able to celebrate, and who will be able to take part."
Posted by Orrin Judd at November 4, 2020 12:00 AM