Sweden Clamps Down on Nightclubs After Packed Parties Risk Spread

(Bloomberg) -- Sweden will cap the number of club-goers at 50, after images of people partying in Stockholm sparked outrage in the country.

Sweden, which has stood out for its hands-off strategy in tackling the Covid-19 crisis, registered a higher death rate than most other European countries during the spring. The country had hoped that higher levels of infections would give some protection against a second wave, but recent numbers show a steady increase in the number of cases.

“It’s time for partying in nightclubs to stop,” Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said at a press conference in Stockholm. “It is disrespectful to health care staff, who have worked hard, day and night, when they open a newspaper and see photos from packed nightclubs and dance floors.”

Sweden has opted against mandatory lockdowns, encouraging social distancing and emphasizing the role of individual responsibility instead. Home Affairs Minister Mikael Damberg said the credibility of that approach was being threatened by images of people partying.

At the same time, the government has also decided to raise the cap on some sporting and cultural events to 300, from 50, provided that people are seated at a safe distance from each other. That easing, according to the government, can be implemented without increasing the risk of transmission.

The Nordic country has reported 108,969 cases of coronavirus and 5,930 related deaths to date.

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