During the 2020-2021 covid pandemic, the government and parliament had to hastily introduce temporary laws to implement measures to reduce the spread of infection.
Now, the government's investigator, Jan Albert, is proposing a new, permanent law on community-oriented infection control measures.
It cannot be ruled out that Sweden will be affected by a new pandemic, it is, on the contrary, very likely, says Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD).
Go through parliament
The proposed law gives the government the right to issue ordinances with various coercive restrictive measures, such as closing down businesses. However, the ordinances must be approved by parliament within 14 days.
One can guess that it will involve similar measures as participant numbers and distances, says Albert.
During the covid pandemic, for example, restaurant opening hours were restricted, requirements for keeping distances in premises were introduced, as well as participant limits for various activities.
The investigation emphasizes that all infection control measures must be preceded by careful proportionality assessments. "Pure prohibitions and lockdowns should be avoided as far as possible", it says in the proposal.
During the covid pandemic, other countries chose to largely shut down society.
Total lockdown or curfews are not included as possible measures, says Albert.
Neither are restrictions on private homes proposed. Nor are any travel restrictions within the country proposed.
The investigation does, however, open up the possibility of introducing requirements for face masks.
It could be something that is suitable. It assumes, in that case, that assessments are made and perhaps new knowledge has emerged that shows they are very useful, says Albert.
It may, as in the current infection control law, involve mandatory testing for individuals.
The government wants to move forward
What measures are proportionate depends, however, on how the spread of infection and mortality look. Covid-19 is considered to have had a low mortality rate among all those who became ill, under one percent.
We may face a new threat where mortality will be much higher, says Albert.
Social Minister Jakob Forssmed thinks that the investigation is largely worth taking further.
We need an infection control law that takes into account a pandemic. Then we will, of course, listen to the referral bodies.
Would it have been good for the government to be able to issue curfews?
We'll have to come back to that, says Forssmed.
The proposals are proposed to come into force on September 1, 2026.
