Swedish gov proposes relief for live events

The Swedish government has proposed an exception to its current coronavirus restrictions which would permit events with a seated audience of up to 500 participants, one metre apart.

During a press conference on Tuesday (29 September), minister of culture Amanda Lind revealed the new plans, which are due to be confirmed on 8 October and implemented on 15 October, provided the country’s infection rate doesn’t worsen.

Lind also announced that from 8 October, restaurants, restaurants and cafés will no longer be restricted by the 50-person limit.

Concerts held in restaurants were previously affected not only by the requirements of restaurants but also by the ban on public gatherings and public events, causing confusion.

“I appreciate the sense of responsibility, constructiveness and forward-thinking spirit that cultural industries has shown”

“I am grateful for the dialogue the government and I have had with the industries that have been hit hard and I appreciate the sense of responsibility, constructiveness and forward-thinking spirit that cultural industries, sports, religious communities and many others have shown,” says Lind.

“The work has been characterized by a willingness to think creatively and to use every single tool available to create safe events.”

The proposal of the 500-capacity limit and one-metre social distancing has been backed by the Swedish Public Health Agency.

The government will seek further advice from the public health body about ways to ease or tighten restrictions depending on the virus and also look at the possibility of making further exceptions for sitting arrangements.

Last month, Sweden’s government announced an extra 1.5 billion kr (€144m) for culture this year to compensate for the economic consequences caused by the pandemic and ensure the sector’s full recovery.

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