Sweden, Some German States Lift Most COVID Restrictions

MARY CHASTAIN FEB 9, 2022 6:00 PM

Sweden and some German states have joined other European countries to lift most COVID restrictions as people’s anger starts to spill on the streets.

Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said, “The pandemic is not over, but we are entering a whole new phase…knowledge has improved…several studies show that Omicron leads to less severe disease.”

Sweden ended widespread and costly COVID-19 testing even in younger people who have symptoms of the virus:

The move puts the Scandinavian nation at odds with most of Europe, but some experts say it could become the norm as costly testing yields fewer benefits with the easily transmissible but milder omicron variant and as governments begin to consider treating COVID-19 like they do other endemic illnesses.“We have reached a point where the cost and relevance of the testing is no longer justifiable.” Swedish Public Health Agency chief Karin Tegmark Wisell told the national broadcast SVT this week.“If we were to have extensive testing adapted to everyone who has COVID-19, that would mean half a billion kronor a week (about $55 million) and 2 billion a month ($220 million),” Tegmark Wisell added.

Healthcare workers, the elderly, and the vulnerable can get free PCR testing if they have symptoms.

Others with symptoms will have to stay home.

Sweden did not have a massive lockdown or forced businesses to close. The country had some restrictions but has lifted most:

• Bars and restaurants do not have to close at 11 PM
• Easing rules on gatherings
• No more vaccination cards to enter public venues
• No longer recommend masking on public transportation during the busy periods
• Gradual return to the workplace
• Gradual return to in-person teaching in higher education courses
• No more restrictions on travel from the EU, European Economic Area, and Nordic countries
• Travel restrictions from everywhere else will expire in March

Several German states have decided to lift or ease some COVID restrictions as the government fiddles its thumbs:

Though case numbers are at a record level, Germany is recording relatively few Covid deaths and stable hospitalization rates. On Tuesday, the head of Germany’s hospital association, Gerald Gass, said he believed the health system would not be overburdened in the coming weeks.Other states that have eased some restrictions, whether curfews or rules for shopping or restaurants, are Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse and Rheinland-Pfalz. Masks will continue to be obligatory in stores and indoor public spaces.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach thinks the government will ease the restrictions before Easter. He warned states from doing so too soon.

Lauterbach claimed to do so is “pouring oil on the fire.” Okay, whatever.

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