BSPC Handling And Combating The COVID 19 Pandemic In The Baltic Sea Countries

29 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceHandling and Combating theCOVID-19 Pandemic in theBaltic Sea Countries1. Åland 12. Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania 33. Germany 104. Hamburg 145. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 176. Poland 197. Russia 258. Sweden 30Status: 24 July 2020Åland Page 1ÅlandÅland Page 2Åland IslandsSituation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic (as of 18 June 2020)When it comes to the pandemic itself there has been only a few cases of Covid-19 in Åland.Since the borders were partially reopened the number of cases has increased a bit with a fewcases of young people that unknowingly of their infection have returned to the Island for thesummer. However, people have been very good at respecting restrictions and recommendedquarantines and therefore uncontrolled spread of the virus in the society so far has beenavoided. Not a single person over 70 years of age has been diagnosed.A state of emergency has been declared in Finland during the period Mars 16th - June 16th.Measures taken in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act is national authority and Ålandhas therefor been either subject to national restrictions or when applicable adopted owndecisions to implement measures in accordance with the Emergency Powers Act. During thisperiod schools, restaurants public buildings etc have been closed and people have beenadvised to work from home etc.Finnish borders have been closed which has had a huge impact on transportation to and fromthe Island. Both ship and plane traffic has been very limited, and the Island has therefore beenvery isolated. Since the Åland economy and labour market is highly dependent on shippingindustry and tourism the economy has been suffering hard and Åland is now experiencing anall-time high unemployment rate. The summer season is always the most profitable for theferries. As borders to Sweden, with some exceptions, remain closed until further notice andas people can be expected to change their travel habits there is a significant risk for long termeconomic challenges. On the other hand, there are also examples of people finding newbusiness ideas and developing new companies in the new situation. Initiatives to takeadvantage of the crisis as a platform for a conversion to green economy and to a moresustainable lifestyle are being taken.Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 3Baltic Assembly,Estonia, Latvia andLithuaniaBaltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 4Written Statement of the Baltic AssemblyRegarding the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020SPREAD AND MANAGING OF THE PANDEMICAs statistics show (see the chart below1), situation regarding the COVID-19 in the Baltic stateshas been quite similar throughout the pandemic. Similarities in the spread of the virus as wellas previously established neighbourly relations allowed the region to implement some jointmeasures.Dailynumber ofconfirmed cases (February 29 -July 28)160140120100806040200Estonia Lithuania LatviaEstonia. In Estonia, from Feb 27 to July 27, there have been 2034 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 69 deaths. Until July 27, 116 913 coronavirus tests have been administered. The mostaffected counties in Estonia are Saaremaa, Võrumaa, Pärnumaa, and Harjumaa.1 Our World in Data COVID-19 Dataset1 (6)Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 5Lithuania. In Lithuania, from Feb 28 to July 27, there have been 2008 confirmed cases ofCOVID-19 with 80 deaths. Until July 27, 502 690 coronavirus tests have been administered.The most affected areas in Lithuania are Vilnius city municipality, Kaunas city municipality,and Klaipėda city municipality.Latvia. In Latvia, from Mar 2 to July 27, there have been 1219 confirmed cases of COVID-19with 31 death. Until July 27, 191 070 coronavirus tests have been administered. The mostaffected areas in Latvia are Riga city, Priekuļi municipality un Jelgava city.Baltic states were one of the first in the European Union that have lifted the restrictions on freemovement. On May 15, Foreign Ministers of the Baltic states signed a memorandum ofunderstanding on the free movement between the Baltic states. Starting from May 15, theborders of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania can be crossed by individuals who display nosymptoms and: 1) who hold the citizenship of one of the countries; 2) have a residence permit;3) right of residence; or 4) whose permanent place of residence is in one of the Baltic Statesaccording to the population registry. Anyone that complies with the rules no longer has to self-isolate for 14 days.In the Baltic states, the main measures to stop the spread of coronavirus have been similar:- declaring a state of emergency;- people-to-people distance in public space;- restrictions on the crossing of the Schengen internal and external border;- extensive testing;- self-isolation at home for 14 days after returning from abroad;- the banning of sporting, cultural, recreational and entertainment events, etc.Despite the similarities in the overall situation of the Baltic states, there are also differencesregarding the managing of the pandemic and overcoming the crisis in each of the countries.For example, a state of emergency in the Baltic states was introduced with a time difference.Lithuania declared a national-level emergency on 26 February that is earlier than Estonia(March 13) and Latvia (March 12). Lithuania has also created a COVID-19 response strategyto contain, over the short term, the risk of the spread of the coronavirus and to equip for aneffective response to a potential outbreak of the virus in the future.2 (6)Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 6EFFECTS ON THE WORK OF PARLIAMENTS AND ORGANISATIONSIn the parliaments of the Baltic states work was organized in different ways, however, somesimilarities can be observed.Riigikogu (Estonian parliament)During the emergency in Estonia, the Riigikogu was working in a reduced capacity. The workof the plenary and the committees focused only on time-critical issues. Members of theRiigikogu were in the parliament building only on three days a week – Monday, Tuesday, andWednesday – when plenary sittings and Question Time are scheduled. After the end of theemergency on 18 May, the Riigikogu resumed the work as usual, holding physical sittings onMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.The committees had the right to assemble at other times in the case of unavoidable necessity,but at the same time they could also hold digital (telework) sittings, i.e. members did notnecessarily need to be physically present in the room and could attend sittings remotely viavideo conference.Cloud software was used for video meetings, other teleworking was arranged with on-premisesolutions, which were administered in-house. MS Teams application was widely used to carryout telework in the committees, other backup options were also considered. Documents wereprepared with MS Office software. Digital signing takes place in a document managementsystem, and notifications are sent by e-mail.Seimas (Lithuanian parliament)Parliament of Lithuania meetings have been limited during the pandemic, however, there havebeen remote meetings to deal with urgent matters.Saeima (Latvian Parliament)At the beginning of the pandemic, the Latvian parliament mostly worked by considering socialdistancing principles and restrictive measures on the national level. Sittings were held in eightseparate parliamentary premises to ensure social distancing.However, a new solution has been found – e-Saeima. Currently, Saeima is one of the firstparliaments in the world that can fully shift to remote work. There is a new e-Saeima platform,3 (6)Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 7where plenary sittings can be held remotely, with MPs participating from outside theparliament premises. The new platform is developed specifically for the needs of the Saeima.It ensures the most important functions of parliamentary sittings, namely, the opportunity todebate and vote on items included in the plenary agenda. Both functions work live in real-time.The e-Saeima platform was developed as a matter of urgency over only a few weeks as aresponse to the restrictions on assembly introduced during the COVID-19 crisis and thenecessity to work remotely. The work of the Saeima remains open to the public, and anyoneinterested may follow the remote sitting live on the Saeima website and the Parliament’sFacebook account.Baltic AssemblyBaltic Assembly mostly works remotely. There have been several digital meetings in smallerand larger formats. The digital solution of the Baltic Assembly so far has proven to be able toensure effectively the work of the organisation. Also, despite the organisational changes thathad to be implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Baltic Assembly adopted aCommuniqué on Baltic solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis and recovery, urging thegovernments to cooperate more. The Baltic Assembly so far has organized several meetingsthat had the COVID-19 situation on the agenda.During the pandemic, work of the Baltic Assembly in different formats continue, as theMembers and Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly have remotely participated in the meeting ofBSPC Standing Committee on 17 June, digital 7th Plenary Session of the South-East EuropeanCooperation Process Parliamentary Assembly on 24 June and listened to the digital seminar“COVID-19 and Border Closures: How are Vulnerable Migrants Affected?”.Work of the Baltic Assembly seems to be efficient and fruitful also during the time of crisiswhen traveling is problematic and the face-to-face contact has to be reduced. Members of theorganization are interested and motivated to continue the work of the Baltic Assembly andmaintain the discussion about the mitigation of the crisis.LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCESThere are numerous ways of how the Baltic states have decided to deal with the consequencesof the COVID-19. Some of the measures are similar, but mostly they differ from country to4 (6)Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 8country. However, the Baltic states have repeatedly noted that they will cooperate to mitigatethe consequences.Main measures to deal with the consequences2Estonia. Estonia has launched a 2 billion euro support programme. The support programmeincludes the following economic stimulus measures: 1) Loan collateral amounting to 1 billioneuros for bank loans already issued to allow for repayment schedule adjustments (maximumEUR 600 million for the surety collection) through the KredEx Foundation; 2) the ETCB closeddown the public debt inquiry tool and the provision of mass information about debtors via theX-tee services since currently available information does not give an adequate picture ofcompanies’ economic situation.The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund paid subsidies to compensate employees’ wagesfor up to two months during the period March-May 2020. The amount of the subsidy was 70%of the average monthly wage of the employee but no more than 1000 euro. The employer mustpay a wage of at least €150 to the employee.Lithuania. The government launched a 5 billion euro support plan in the week of 16 March,which includes 500 million euros for maintaining business liquidity and 1 billion euros forspeeding up investment. The Economic and Financial Action Plan provides for acceleratinginvestment programmes by accelerating payments and increasing the intensity of funding. Itplans to reallocate EU investment funds to health, employment and business, accelerate the useof public budget funds for running costs, to use all funds from the Climate Change and RoadMaintenance and Development Programs, and to accelerate the renovation of apartmentbuildings.The Lithuanian government also foresees subsidies totaling 500 million euro to ensure laid-offworkers or workers with reduced working time (+salaries) still receive the minimum wage. Italso includes in the 500 million euros for workers fixed payments to the self-employed whohave previously contributed to the social security system.Latvia. The government has announced coverage of 75% of the costs of outbreak-induced sickleaves or workers’ downtime, or up to 700 euros per month. There is also support for “employeedowntime” whereby the government made monthly payments of 75% of their salaries, capped2 https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home.html5 (6)Baltic Assembly, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Page 9at 700 euros (not subject to payroll taxes), from 14 March to 14 May 2020 if the employer isnot able to secure work for the employee because of COVID-19.A Latvian bank launched an initiative to support SMEs and Fintech in Baltic states. ALTUM,the national development finance institution, will provide loan guarantees and loans for crisissolutions to businesses affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Interest rates on loans for tourism sectorbusinesses will be cut by 50% for small and medium enterprises and by 15% for largeenterprises in tourism and related sectors.6 (6)German Bundestag Page 10GermanyGerman Bundestag Page 11Impacts of Covid-19 in Germany1. Spread and managing of the pandemicDevelopment of the situationThe first case was confirmed on 27 January 2020 in Bavaria.The numbers gradually increased by the end of February, reaching the highest number ofnew infections in one week on 30 March with 39.167 cases. Since then, the infection rategradually decreases; in the week of 25 July 3.348 new cases were confirmed.As of 25 July, 204.964 cases were officially reported, about 9,118 people died until now.Infection rates were significantly higher in states closer to Italy, such as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In the very beginning of the pandemic, a part of North Rhine-Westphalia wasconsidered a hotspot with very high new infection rates.More rural states, especially states in the east of Germany, had remarkably low infectionrates.Main measures and gradual reduction● Borders were closed on 17 March and were gradually reopened by 15 May.Temporary entry restrictions for travelers from other EU countries have beenremoved entirely since 21 June. As of 2 July, unrestricted entry from eleven countriesoutside the EU is allowed as well.● A 14-day-quarantine is only mandatory for people with symptoms who are enteringfrom risk areas.A complete shutdown, like in France or Italy, was, due to the low percentage of infections,not necessary. Due to the federal structure of Germany, certain measures could only betaken by each state separately because health legislation is the competence of the states.Therefore measures and restrictions varied a bit throughout the country.● Wearing a face mask in public transport and shops is still mandatory in all states.● Contact restrictions applied in the beginning, by the end of July they are partlyreduced (e.g. to max 10 people), partly entirely cancelled.● Major events (the maximum number of people varies) are not allowed until 31October.● All schools and child day care centres were closed by the end of March. A softreopening started in early May. Currently a full reopening is planned after thesummer holidays.The tendency of the states is to shift their actions from a statewide lockdown to individualreactions on new infection rates in certain areas.German Bundestag Page 122. Some legislative measures to deal with the consequences ofthe pandemicHealth sectorThe public health sector never faced any problems regarding capacities for the treatment ofCovid-19-patients. In the beginning, hospitals were only allowed to treat urgent patients inorder to keep hospital beds free for Covid-19-patients.Financial instruments● Economic Stabilisation FundVolume: 600 billion / passed end of MarchIt addresses mainly larger companies and consists of state guarantees forobligations, direct state holdings and refinancing of large loans.Businesses can easier apply for loans.● Immediate Assistance for small enterprisesVolume: 50 billion / passed end of MarchIt gives immediate assistance for small enterprises and own-account workers.Access was easy and payments were handled very fast.● Short-time workThe regular working time can be temporarily reduced, which allows companies toreduce their personnel costs while at the same time maintaining their workforce andavoiding layoffs. The gap in remuneration, that the employees suffer, is partiallycompensated by the Federal Employment Agency. About 12 million employees wereenrolled for short-time work.● Economic Stimulus PackageVolume: 130 billion euro / passed in JuneMeasures are e.g.:- reduced VAT from 3 (respectively 2) percent for 6 months from 1 July to31 December 2020- Program for the future with a volume of 50 billion euros to foster innovation inthe fields of climate change and digitizationRepatriation operationMore than 240.000 people were able to return to Germany because of repatriation efforts bythe Federal Foreign Office, implemented partly by air charter, partly by scheduled flights.German Bundestag Page 133. Effects on the work of the parliamentPlenary sessions of the German Bundestag were still held, but with reduced items on theagenda and in the beginning mainly Covid-19-related topics.Also the number of parliamentarians in the Chamber is reduced, distance regulations apply,the lectern gets disinfected after each speaker.To ensure the quorum, the Rules of Procedure of the German Bundestag are changed until30 September. A quorum of the Parliament now exists if more than a quarter (normally half)of its members is present in the Chamber.In the Committees, electronic communication media can also be used for sittings andhearings.4. Other aspectsCorona-Warn-AppThe Corona-App, released by the German federal government on June 16th, is a free andmandatory application for mobile phones based on the Bluetooth-technology.Until 23 July it was downloaded 16,2 million times. The development and release wasdiscussed in the public, mainly focusing on data protection concerns.Recognition of the situation in other countriesThe first reaction was to solve the pandemic in a national approach. After a few weeks, itbecame more obvious to the society, that European solutions are necessary.There was a huge sympathy, especially with our European neighbors and in particular withbadly hit countries such as Italy, Spain and France. The admission of patients, for examplefrom the Italian region of Bergamo, in German hospitals was widely communicated in thenews.There were also discussions about different approaches to deal with the pandemic situation,especially the Swedish, British and American approach.Hamburg Page 14HamburgHamburg Page 15Spread and management of the pandemicHamburg’s population is around 1,845 million. 5748 persons were/are infected, ofwhich approximately 5100 convalesced and 262 died according to the Robert KochInstitute report. Currently, 19 Covid-19 infected patients from Hamburg and itsvicinity are treated in Hamburg hospitals of which ten are in intensive care (as ofAugust 11, 2020).In Hamburg, the Senate (executive) informs the public about the latest Covid-19pandemic containment rulings via link www.hamburg.de/coroanvirus.One key measure implemented and still in place among others is mandatoryfacemasks in shops, public transport, and where the minimum distance cannot bekept, and everyone is instructed to follow hygiene rules.Currently, some easements of lockdown measures have been introduced such as• Visits of relatives in care homes;• Allowing to meet relatives and friends with parties of 10 from 10 differenthouseholds;• Schools and children’s daycare facilities are now open again following theregular schedule. (The education authority introduced the so-calledHamburger Lernferien during the summer break, a voluntary program tocatch up following the regular school schedule.)Effects on the work of the parliamentSince the election of the new Hamburgische Bürgerschaft at 23rd of February 2020,all scheduled sessions took place – the constituting session of the parliament onMarch 18, 2020 with a reduced number of parliamentarians.All following sessions took place in the large Ceremonial Hall (Großer Festsaal) –initially with a reduced number of parliamentarians, and since June 2020, all 123parliamentarians due to the implementation of partitions and seatingarrangements in compliance with the social distancing regulations.Plenary sessions are not open to the public yet but the sessions are livestreamedor can be accessed via the Bürgerschaft Mediathek.Alterations of parliamentary rules where passed to enable committee meetingsduring pandemic times for example via a telephone- or videoconference and withspecial balloting procedures. Upon request, livestreaming of committee meetingsis possible.A special temporarily limited Corona committee was installed on April 22 to supportthe newly constituted Parliament addressing the challenges of the Covid-19pandemic.Legislative measures to deal with the consequences of the pandemicThe Bürgerschaft decided to accelerate the public announcement of general rulingsin urgent cases – like the Covid-19 pandemic – via a web page of the respectivegoverning authorities instead of in an official printed journal.The Bürgerschaft approved further several urgent motions of the Senate (FederalState Government Hamburg) declaring the Covid-19 pandemic an exceptionalHamburg Page 16emergency and revising certain budgetary regulations during the current crisis.This includes – additionally to the respective instruments by the federal state – aset of measures of the Hamburger Schutzschirm (protective umbrella/shield) withHamburger Corona Soforthilfe (Hamburg Corona Emergency Aid), which provideamong others support for small and medium-sized enterprises and freelanceprofessionals (especially in the cultural sector) as well as funding for personalprotective equipment.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 17Mecklenburg-VorpommernMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 18Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (24th of June 2020)Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is the German state with the lowest infection rates since March2020. Our population is around 1.61 million. On 24th June we have below 800 infections,whereas 117 people had been treated in hospital, 20 persons died, 758 were recovered.In the moment, we have 36 people with an active COVID-19 infection.In March, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, like the whole of Germany, has restricted a largepart of public life by closing shops, schools, retirement homes and day-care facilities aswell as cultural facilities such as theatres, swimming pools or banning events. Protectivemasks belong to the everyday life. A form of prohibition of close contact graduallydecreases so that we – in the moment – can meet up to 10 people.Tourism is also strongly affected by restrictions. Since 25th May tourists nevertheless havebeen able to travel to the country again with an overnight stay, first of all restricted to 60 %of the hotel capacities. No day trippers are accepted.Whereas the parliament was at first not involved in the juridical and political managementof the crises, the prime minister used a conference call to inform chairmen and executivesecretaries of all parliamentary groups.The parliament adopted hygienic measures including minimum distance. Around 20conference calls and video conferences took place. Since April meetings with physicalpresence reoccurred. In the plenary week in the month of May the Landtag took two testsfrom all members of Parliament, the administration and all employees and media staff whoare often in the parliament. As a result, we got 321 negative infections and 348 with anegative antibody testing.On April 1st 2020, the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern adopted an addendum to itsbudget to establish the “MV Schutzfonds” – a protection fund. This has a volume ofEUR 1.1 billion and provides, among other things, for the granting of emergency aid tosecure liquidity, loan and guarantee programs and measures in the social and culturalsectors. The restrictions are gradually relaxed, always taking into account the generaloccurrence of infection.Poland Page 19PolandPoland Page 20POLAND – situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic (as of July 23)Spread and managing of the pandemicDevelopments COVID-19 situation in PolandIn Poland first case of COVID-19 was reported on 4 March 2020. Since then, the number of infectionsin the country has slowly increased. Currently, the situation in Poland is stable and contained. We areseeing a decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections in Poland. There are enough places for patientswith SARS-CoV-2 infection in facilities designated to diagnose and treat the coronavirus. In Poland, thenumber of infections has never reached critical levels.Information about data regarding infection you can find on website (only in Polish):https://www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/wykaz-zarazen-koronawirusem-sars-cov-2Poland has a low total incidence rate of 107 cases per 100 000 inhabitants and a death rate of 4,3per 100 000 inhabitants. The number of infections for the last 14 days is 11,5 per 100 000 inhabitants.Additionally, the recovery rate is better than in other countries.The voivodeships with the highest number of cases are Śląskie, Mazowieckie and Łódzkie. The lowestincidence rate is in Lubuskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie and Zachodniopomorskie.The pandemic is currently developing in single outbreaks, while in the rest of the country there arerelatively small numbers of new infections. Places where new outbreaks are observed are workplaces /specific groups, e. g. companies and celebrations, such as weddings or funerals. During these events,even a few dozen people get infected. Lately, the highest number of cases in Poland was recorded in theŚląskie Voivodeship - 323/100 000 inhabitants. The highest morbidity rate was among miners (due tothis, screening tests were carried out among the families of these miners). On the other side isWarmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship – 23/100 000 inhabitants.Measures undertook to prevent the spread of COVID-19Since the beginning of the epidemic appropriate measures/restrictions have been implemented toprevent the further spread of COVID-19.These include:• Restriction on public transport: currently vehicles may transport at the same time not morepersons than:ü 100% of the number of seats orü 50% of the number of all seating and standing places specified in the technicaldocumentation or the technical and propulsor documentation for a given type ofmeans of transport or vehicle, while leaving at least 50% of the seats unoccupied inthe means of transport or vehicleCovering the mouth and nose is mandatory on public transport.• Restrictions on functioning of specific institutions or workplaces;1Poland Page 21• Restrictions to cover mouth and nose - currently it is mandatory to cover mouth and nose inan open space when it is not possible to keep 2 meters distance from others, as well as in aclosed space – e.g. in shops or public transport;• Restrictions of public gatherings;• Restrictions and guidelines have been issued for the operation of inter alia hotels/resorts,cinemas, cultural and entertainment events, gastronomy, beauty salons;• Restriction on border crossing – mainly for passengers from other countries than EU/EFTA;• School classes – to be held online / if it is possible - adults work remotely.The maintenance of sanitary discipline by Polish people and the lack of a sudden increase in thenumber of people infected with COVID-19 allowed some restrictions to be gradually lifted.The stages of the removal of restrictions were announced on a bi-weekly basis, indicating that someelements may be accelerated or introduced at a later date. The three key criteria for triggering thesuccessive stages of lifting restrictions are: the first is the ratio of those who have recovered to thenew diseases; the second is social distancing; and the third is health care efficiency.Currently, measures and restrictions are continuously adapted to the changing situation (based e.g. onWHO recommendations).Laboratories/hospitalsWe have now 168 laboratories in Poland, which use tests detecting genetic material of the virus andcan carry out to 40 000 tests a day. The basic technique is RT-PCR. Laboratories also use serologicaltests. The use of rapid tests mainly serves to identify / screen for urgent cases of infection or to carryexaminations among medical personnel.We have also established the network of hospitals focused only on the treatment of coronaviruspatients.Protective clothesIn Poland protective clothing is provided for relevant services and inspections, as well as for medicinalentities with an infectious profile. Transportation equipment and protective clothing are also instrategic reserves. In the case of an increase coronavirus infection, this range may be availableto relevant services and inspections.Daily informationRecommendations for preventive actions and daily information on the number of infections, thenumber of people tested, the number of people quarantined, etc. are communicated to the generalpublic through information on the website of the Ministry of Health or on social media (Twitter).2Poland Page 22Effects on the work of parliaments and interparliamentary organisationsHave parliaments or interparliamentary organisations met continuously or cancelled meetings/plenary sessions?Both the sittings of the Senate and its Committees are taking place during the epidemic, however,it is clear that compared to previous years there are fewer meetings. This is especially true for thoseCommittees that have largely limited their activity to considering the acts on the Senate’s agenda.The Health, Family, Senior and Social Policy and Human Rights, the Rule of Law and PetitionsCommittees also considered at their sittings information from the Minister of Health on thefollowing matters:- the situation in Poland in relation to the coronavirus threat;- the situation of residents and workers in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic;- purchases of medical and personal protective equipment in connection with the COVID-19epidemic.Foreign visits of the Marshal of the Senate and senators and receiving foreign delegations have beensuspended.Until the beginning of June no conferences or exhibitions were held in the Senate.Under what conditions were physical meetings/ plenary sessions held (reduction in the numberof Members present in a Chamber at the same time, keeping minimum distances, disinfection oflecterns, establishment of special committees, for example a corona committee and/or use ofdigital facilities, temporary modifications of rules of procedure)?The Plenary Hall, where the Senate sits, offers 100 seats for senators as well as seats for governmentand state body representatives. Due to COVID-19 and the need to keep a distance, Senate sittingsare currently held in 3 halls. Additionally, some senators participate in the sittings remotely. Priorto each sitting, seating is arranged in the halls so that all senators know which seat they are to takeand, at the same time, so that it is known which seats they took.Senate Committees comprise of 8–26 senators. Usually, all Committee members can meet in onehall while keeping the required distance. Also, as is the case with the Senate’s plenary, somesenators may participate in Committee meetings remotely.Senators are not required to be wearing face masks and gloves at the meetings, but some applythese safeguards. The Chancellery of the Senate has provided senators with packages containingface masks, face shields, gloves and sanitizers.The sittings of the Senate and of its Committees are serviced by the staff necessary to ensure theproper conduct of those meetings. Only experts whose presence is necessary are allowed toparticipate in Committee sittings. However, all such situations require adhering to social distancingrules.3Poland Page 23Rooms and halls are disinfected before and after each Senate or Committee sitting. There are noregular breaks in the sittings and the rules do not limit the time spent in meetings.The rules on the remote working of senators during the Senate and Committee sittings wereregulated on 4 June by an amendment to the Rules and Regulations of the Senate.Legislative measures to deal with the consequences of the pandemicWhat main legislative measures have been adopted- for immediate response to the pandemic- in the health sector,- to financially compensate the consequences of the pandemic and to cope with them, especiallyin the economic, labour, social, educational and cultural sectors?On 2 March 2020 the Act on special measures taken to prevent, counteract and combat COVID-19, other infectious diseases and crisis situations caused by such diseases was adopted. Based onthis Act, on 14 March, by Ordinance of the Minister of Health, a state of epidemic emergency wasdeclared, followed by the announcement of the state of epidemic on 20 March.On 31 March, the Council of Ministers tabled an Ordinance on establishing the epidemic area inthe territory of the Republic of Poland.The Council of Ministers and individual ministers presented a number of ordinances aiming to curbthe spread of the coronavirus:- border controls were introduced and the possibility to cross the border was limited;- air and rail traffic was suspended;- movement possibilities were limited to a necessary minimum;- remote work was organised;- nurseries, kindergartens, schools and universities were temporarily closed;- certain businesses, trade, cultural and sports institutions were temporarily closed.Changes have been made with regard to the organisation of healthcare. The Chief SanitaryInspectorate has developed guidelines for conduct during the pandemic. Mandatory quarantine hasbeen introduced for people at risk. Rules have been laid down for placing people under quarantineand stipulating how it should be implemented.Single-specialty hospitals were established by a decision of the Health Minister.Poland is currently in the process of phasing out the introduced restrictions.To counteract the effects of the pandemic, acts known as the Anti-Crisis Shield 1, 2, 3, 4,respectively, were adopted. The ‘Shield’ is a package of solutions prepared by the government toprotect the Polish state and citizens from the effects of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.4Poland Page 24It is founded on the following five pillars:- protecting jobs and workers’ safety,- providing funds for entrepreneurs,- health protection,- strengthening the financial system,- public investments.Additional support was provided to non-governmental organisations and local governments, aswell as for culture, sports, tourism and agriculture sectors.Within its remit, the Senate submitted to the Sejm two draft acts amending the acts included in the‘Shield’, and submitted two drafts of its own acts aimed to counteract the crisis caused by thepandemic.This document is based on information provided by The Ministry of Health of the Republic ofPoland and Chancellery of the Senate of the Republic of Poland5Russia Page 25RussiaRussia Page 26Unofficial translationLetter of Ms Valentina Pivnenko, Deputy of the State Duma, Head of the Delegationof the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to BSPCJuly 23, 2020Information to 29th BSPCconcerning measures on combating COVID-19The work of the Parliament of the Russian Federation was carried out as usual incompliance with the rules of the Federal service for healthcare supervision(Roszdravnadzor), namely: restricting visits to the State Duma and the FederationCouncil by deputies 'and senators' assistants on a voluntary basis and experts,conducting remote parliamentary hearings, conferences and other mass events,restricting visits to plenary sessions for deputies aged 65 and older, and staffmembers-senior civil servants, use of personal protective equipment (masks andgloves), weekly medical examination (tests for detection of COVID-19).President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and the Government of theRussian Federation took operational organizational measures to combat the spread ofthe corona virus. Federal and regional headquarters have been established, includingheads of Federal and regional levels, the Federal service for supervision of consumerprotection (Rospotrebnadzor), members of the Government, leading research centers,and heads of medical institutions throughout Russia.A big and powerfull analytical center has been established and works nowadays.Taking into account the new challenges, methodological recommendations werepromptly brought to all regions and medical institutions, which were adjusted in theprocess of practical struggle with a severe virus.President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin focused on the priority goal ofprotecting the life and health of Russian citizens by the state, providing effectiveassistance to families (primarily older people and children), as well as measures tosupport citizens who lost their jobs due to the quarantine downtime of enterprises. Inthis connection, the appeals of the President of the Russian Federation V.Putin to thecitizens of Russia were constantly broadcast.On January 30, 2020, transport links with the people's Republic of China and thepossibility of crossing the state border in the far East were restricted. By this time, theall-Russian audit of the bed fund in medical institutions, stocks of personal protectiveequipment and necessary medical equipment was conducted.A regime of non-working days and self-isolation was established from March 30 tomay 11 throughout the country.Russia Page 272By April 28 this year, the task for the minimum number of beds in the network wasdetermined and subsequently completed – 1 bed per 1 thousand residents in largecities, for cities with low population density – 2 beds, as well as 35% of resuscitationplaces.In fact, the number of beds in medical institutions has increased 5 times in the regionsof Russia in two months. 17 inpatient, easily constructed new hospitals and 184,000infectious places have been built and used.Medical care is provided by more than 400 thousand medical workers, more than 110thousand doctors, 240 thousand nurses, ambulance drivers, and students of medicalschools. More than 1.5 thousand medical workers of various specialties have beenprofessionally retrained to work with infectious patients, as well as to prevent thespread of a new corona virus infection.NGOs and volunteer organizations in all regions of the country are actively involvedin the work.There is a monthly supplement to the current salary of medical workers: doctors-80thousand rubles, nurses-50 thousand rubles, junior medical staff and ambulancedrivers-25 thousand rubles, the payment period is until September 15, 2020.To support the regions in the fight against the corona virus, an additional 66 billionrubles were allocated from the budget of the Russian Federation.Taking into account the decline in economic development, decisions were quicklymade to support citizens and businesses. Within 24 hours, full financial resourceswere sent to the applicants. Families with children received assistance in the amountof 600 billion rubles, including families with children under 3 years of age-5thousand rubles per child per month, from 3 to 16 years of age-10 thousand rubles,respectively, unemployment benefits-in the amount of the minimum wage and othermeasures.The following decisions were taken to support businesses, especially in those areasthat were most affected by the pandemic: small businesses, individual entrepreneurs,air carriers, tourism, non-food trade, and the media. Deferrals on mandatorypayments were established, insurance premiums were reduced from 30 to 15 percent,taxes and insurance premiums for the second quarter of this year were written off,and the paid tax for 2019 was returned to the business. Presidential grants, creditdeferrals, and zero-rate payday loans have been established if wages are higher thanthe minimum level, and the regional guarantee Fund and microfinance organizationshave been recapitalized.Russia Page 283Businesses are exempt from lease payments for state and municipal property, andunilateral termination of lease agreements is provided without penalties.More than 70 types of licenses were automatically renewed, a moratorium onbankruptcy and other measures were introduced.Subsidies are provided from the budget to small and medium-sized businesses. Theamount of subsidies is from 15 to 100 thousand rubles. Citizens looking for work canget up to 50 thousand rubles free of charge to start their own business. In may-June,businesses are allocated funds free of charge based on the minimum wage peremployee.Regions have the right and opportunity to establish additional measures to supportbusinesses and citizens.Students of schools, colleges, and Universities were transferred to distance learning,and a special scheme was defined for passing the Unified state exam and entranceexams to secondary and higher educational institutions of the country for the nextacademic year.The Baltic sea regions (Saint Petersburg, Leningrad region, Kaliningrad region, andthe Republic of Karelia) took additional measures to combat coronavirus infection. Aparticularly difficult situation with morbidity was identified in St. Petersburg, takinginto account the specifics of a multi-million megalopolis, an international andinterregional logistics and transport center.For compliance with the regime of self-isolation of older people, the city authoritiesadditionally paid a monetary allowance, provided free medicines according to doctors' prescriptions, provided food packages to those in need, etc.In the Republic of Karelia, a two-week quarantine regime was established for citizensarriving in the region from Russia, from Moscow, Saint Petersburg and othercountries. Limited time for the sale of alcoholic beverages was established as well therestrictions for the elderly visiting shopping centers, etc., measures have been takento support entrepreneurs.In the Leningrad region, a government reserve fund was created to combatcoronavirus infection and support the population and businesses. Additional regionalpayments have been established for doctors and other medical professionals whowork directly with infected patients.In the Kaliningrad region, an additional regional payment was introduced forunemployed citizens, families with children from 3 to 7 years old, free home deliveryof food, medicines, essential goods, medical devices, etc.Russia Page 294Various measures of business support – loans in the field of industry, enterprisesaffected by coronavirus, subsidies for legal entities and individual entrepreneurs withup to 15 employees, subsidies for starting their own businesses, etc.Combining efforts to combat the coronavirus of the President, Government,Parliament, research centers, NGOs, volunteers helped to minimize human andfinancial losses, to give a powerful impetus to support the health and development ofnational pharmaceutical industry that has proven the effectiveness of the public healthindustry and research centers.At the final session of the State Duma on July 22, 2020, Russian Prime Minister MrMikhail Mishustin announced the end of clinical trials of 2 types of vaccinedeveloped by Russian scientists and the completion of clinical trials of 2 more typesof vaccine, as well as the launch of their production in the near future to receive aRussian antiviral vaccine in the fall of this year.The rapid work of the Parliament of the Russian Federation on the adoption of 29Federal laws directly related to overcoming the challenges of the pandemic wasnoted.At the Plenary session of the State Duma, deputies were presented with additionalmeasures of state support for the economy, social sphere, and especially for Russiancitizens, which requires more active work of all branches of government.Sweden Page 30SwedenSweden Page 312020-07-28WRITTEN STATEMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENTOF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ITSCONSEQUENCES IN SWEDENTable of contents1. Introduction 12. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Sweden 23. The mission of the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the Swedishmodel of government administration 34. The Swedish strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic 45. The main measures taken to reduce the spread of the virus and thegradual reduction of restrictions 56. Legislative and economic measures in response to COVID-19 97. Overview of the spread of the virus in Sweden, key statistics anddevelopment over time 148. National strategy for testing for COVID-19 249. Effects on the work of the Riksdag 261. IntroductionAt the BSPC Standing Committee meeting on 17 June 2020, the membersdiscussed the current situation in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic in each andevery country and parliament. In connection with the discussions, the BSPCStanding Committee decided that the BSPC members should submit a detailedstatement on the national development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reactionsto it and its consequences in the country, and on how it has affected the work ofparliament.Due to the rapid changes in the pandemic situation and continuous changesregarding preventive measures, the information gathered here is not to be seen asexhaustive or fully complete. It is an ongoing pandemic, which means that thereremains a great deal of uncertainty regarding the gathered information. Thestatistics included in the report are based on the information available on 3 July2020. The situation may change, new measures may be taken, and the statisticswill be updated. The main sources of information are the webpages of: the Riksdag(the Swedish Parliament), the Swedish Government, the Public Health Agency ofSweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare and krisinformation.se(Emergency information from Swedish authorities).THE SWEDISH PARLIAMENT SE-100 12 Stockholm • Phone +46 8 786 40 00 • www.riksdagen.se1 (27)Sweden Page 322. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in SwedenOn 31 January, it was confirmed that a woman in the county of Jönköping wasinfected with the coronavirus. The woman had recently visited the Wuhan regionof China. The woman now showed symptoms when she arrived back in Swedenon 24 January. She contacted the healthcare services herself when she started toexperience coughing. The woman was kept in isolation at the infection clinic atRyhov County Hospital in Jönköping.The Public Health Agency of Sweden made a statement in regard to the firstconfirmed case, saying that some cases were to be expected in Sweden, as Swedesgenerally travel a lot. Individual cases should not be regarded as the same as ageneral spread in society. Furthermore, the Agency stated that the healthcareservices have routines to handle cases like this. On 17 January, the Public HealthAgency of Sweden had established diagnostics for this virus in suspected cases.On 29 January, the Agency delivered a statement that it was monitoring thesituation concerning COVID-19 closely, and that it was maintaining a closecooperation with several actors, such as the WHO, the healthcare services inSweden and the regional units for infection control.1On 1 February, the Swedish Government, following a recommendation from thePublic Health Agency of Sweden, classified the coronavirus as a disease thatconstitutes a danger to society, opening the possibility of extraordinarycommunicable disease control measures. The regulation applied from 2 February2020.In late February, further cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Sweden. ThePublic Health Agency of Sweden has carried out an analysis of the genetic makeupof Swedish tests of identified COVID-192 during the period 31 January–15 March.The results show that a large proportion of the positive test results came frompeople who had been in Italy and Austria. The Swedish winter sports breakoccurred during this period and many people travelled at this time, for example,for skiing trips in Italy and Austria. The Public Health Agency of Sweden writesthat this is because the initial tests targeted people who had travelled to Italy,Austria, Iran, China and South Korea. The Public Health Agency of Sweden alsowrites that the cases of the disease at that time also came from people who hadbeen in other countries (other European countries, the USA, China and Iran).31 https://www.krisinformation.se/en/news/2020/january/who-classes-the-outbreak-of-the-corona-virus-as-an-international-threat-to-human-life22 Occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in tests.3 Public Health Agency, Whole genome sequencing of Swedish SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19.2 (27)Sweden Page 33In early March, the Public Health Agency of Sweden started to hold daily pressconferences informing the public about the current situation regarding COVID-19.On 10 March, the Public Health Agency announced that there were several signsof a general spread of the coronavirus in society in the Stockholm and VästraGötaland regions.3. The mission of the Public Health Agency of Sweden andthe Swedish model of government administrationSweden has three levels of government: national, regional and local. At thenational level the Government implements the decisions taken by the Riksdag. TheGovernment is assisted in its work by the Government Offices, with severalministries, and some 400 central government agencies and public administrations.The ministries are relatively small and merely policy-making organizations thatmonitor the work of the agencies, whereas the role of the agencies is historicallyquite strong in Sweden.Sweden has a long tradition of independent and impartial expert agencies that actto carry out the policies. This is found in the constitution where there is a divisionbetween political decision-making on one side and the independent executiveimplementation of decisions by independent agencies on the other. A strict law inthe Swedish Constitution prohibits the government from meddling in the affairs ofthe administrative authorities. Where there in many other countries is common foran individual minister to have the power to intervene directly through a decisionin an agency’s day-to-day operation, this possibility does not exist in Sweden. Theban on instructing agencies on individual matters are expressions of the prohibitionof “ministerial rule”.The government rules through collective government decisions. The governmenthas the juridical mandate to make certain decisions and due to the long tradition oftrust in the expert agencies these decisions are often based on recommendationsfrom the agency with the specific knowledge and expertise in a certain question.The agency can give proposals to the government or urge the government to makea decision. Normally, the government acts according to these recommendations.In Sweden, crisis management is built primarily on the principle of responsibility.This means that the actor responsible for an activity under normal circumstancesis also responsible for it in a crisis. Two other principles are likewise central; theequality principle (to the extent possible, operations should be organised in thesame way during emergencies as under normal conditions) and the proximityprinciple (emergencies should be handled at the lowest possible level in society).The Public Health Agency of Sweden is a government agency accountable to theGovernment. It is an expert authority with responsibility for public health issues ata national level. The Public Health Agency of Sweden has the nationalresponsibility for public health issues and works to ensure good public health. Theagency also works to ensure that the population is protected against communicablediseases and other threats to public health.3 (27)Sweden Page 34The Agency has the overall national responsibility for public health issues, whichinclude several aspects such as mental health, sexual health, lifestyle, suicideprevention, use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and the vaccination programmein Sweden. The mission of the Agency is to strengthen and develop public health,and the agency develops and supports activities to promote health, prevent illnessand improve preparedness for threats to public health. The task of the Agency is todisseminate scientifically based knowledge in order to promote health and preventdisease and injury. The mission from the Government is also to monitor the healthstatus of the population and the factors that affect this.4The Public Health Agency of Sweden is also responsible for protecting thepopulation against communicable diseases and coordinates communicable diseasecontrol at a national level by developing regulations, recommendations andguidance for healthcare professionals.54. The Swedish strategy in response to the COVID-19pandemicAs mentioned in chapter 2, on 1 February, the Swedish Government classifiedCOVID-19 as a disease that constitutes a danger to society, opening the possibilityof extraordinary communicable disease control measures.6 Since then, the SwedishGovernment has presented a range of different measures.The Swedish strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been publishedon the Swedish Government website. The Government’s overarching goal is tosafeguard people’s lives and health, and to secure healthcare capacity. The overallobjective is to reduce the pace of the virus’ spread in order to “flatten the curve”so that large numbers of people do not become ill at the same time. The measurestaken by the Government are reviewed constantly as the situation develops, andneed to be weighed against their effects on society and public health in general.The efforts and decisions of the Government aim to:1. Limit the spread of infection in the countryBy limiting the spread of the virus, the Government aims to relieve pressureon the healthcare system and protect people’s lives, health and jobs.2. Ensure that health and medical care resources are availableThe Government aims to ensure that the municipalities and regions, whichprovide the healthcare, have all necessary resources. For this reason, central4 https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/about-us/our-mission/5 https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/about-us/our-mission/6 https://www.government.se/articles/2020/04/strategy-in-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/4 (27)Sweden Page 35government will cover all extraordinary costs arising as a result of thepandemic, e.g. higher costs for additional staff and protective equipment.3. Limit the impact on critical servicesTo ensure that society can continue to function, the Government monitorsneeds and takes the decisions required to ensure that the healthcare, police,energy supply, communications, transport and food supply systems, forexample, can maintain their activities.4. Alleviate the impact on people and businessesThe Government has presented crisis packages to mitigate the financialimpact of the pandemic on Swedish businesses, organisations and agencies,and to save people’s jobs and livings.5. Ease concernBy continuously providing information, the Government aims to make itclear what measures are being taken, and why. The Government broadcastsimportant information live on its website, regeringen.se. Writteninformation about the Government’s efforts, measures and decisions is alsoavailable there6. Implement the right measures at the right timeThe Government is monitoring developments in the COVID-19 pandemicclosely. It is taking the decisions that are needed, when they are needed, tolimit the spread of the virus and counter its impact on society.75. The main measures taken to reduce the spread of thevirus and the gradual reduction of restrictionsIn Sweden, most of the measures for protection against COVID-19 have beenimplemented without coercion. This is based on the experience that a well-informed and motivated person understands and follows the givenrecommendations, and that personal responsibility is better than coercivemeasures. People in Sweden have a high level of trust in government agencies.This means that a large proportion of people follow government agencies’ advice.The Public Health Agency of Sweden, as well as the Government, have urged thepublic to take personal responsibility for slowing down the spread of COVID-19,by taking the following actions:- Stay home if you feel unwell- Maintain physical distance from other people, indoors and outdoors- Watch for symptoms of COVID-19- Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds7 https://www.government.se/articles/2020/04/strategy-in-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/5 (27)Sweden Page 36- Cough and sneeze into your elbow- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth- Avoid social gatherings- Avoid public transport, do not travel at rush hour unless necessaryA number of recommendations, restrictions and measures have been taken toreduce the spread. Here follows a list of the main measures:1 February – The Swedish Government classifies the coronavirus as a diseaseconstituting a danger to society, opening the possibility of extraordinarycommunicable disease control measures.12 February – The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs warns against all travelto the Hubei Province, China.26 February – The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends travellers fromSouth Korea, Iran, certain areas of China or Italy to look out for possible symptomssuch as coughing, breathing difficulties and fever and to contact the public healthadvice service in order to be assessed.6 March – The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against allunnecessary travel to parts of northern Italy and parts of South Korea.9 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends testing of patientswho have been to the Austrian state of Tyrol, China, Iran and parts of South Korea.10 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden urges people with symptoms tolimit contact with other people so as not to infect others. This applies at both theprofessional and the personal level.11 March – The Swedish Government abolishes the sick pay standard deduction.For individuals who fall ill, this means that the state will pay sick pay from the firstday of absence due to illness. This measure is intended to help to reduce the spreadof the virus, and thus the burden on the healthcare system, according to theGovernment.12 March – Public gatherings and public events with more than 500 persons arebanned. The Swedish Government makes this decision following arecommendation from the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The purpose is tolimit the spread of the virus.14 March – The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs advises against any non-essential travel to all countries. The reason is the outbreak of the virus and therapidly changing and uncertain situation when it comes to travel.15 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden, the Swedish CivilContingencies Agency and the National Board of Health and Welfare now urgethe public to stay at home if they are feeling ill, to avoid unnecessary visits tohospitals or homes for the elderly, and to wash their hands often.6 (27)Sweden Page 3717 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden urges persons over the age of70 to limit their social contacts with other people as far as possible for some timeto come. The measure aims to slow down the spread and protect the mostvulnerable.17 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden encourages employers to allowemployees to work from home whenever possible, the recommendation appliesespecially in the Stockholm region.17 March - The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends Sweden’s uppersecondary schools, municipal adult education, university colleges and universitiesto implement remote learning due to the novel coronavirus. The recommendationaims to slow down the spread of the virus in society.17 March – The Swedish Government decides to impose a temporary ban on travelto Sweden due to COVID-19 from countries outside Europe. The decision is madein response to the European Council’s and Commission’s recommendation. Theaim is to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus outbreak and to reduce the spreadof the virus.19 March – The Public Health Agency recommends that everyone should considerwhether planned trips within Sweden are necessary.19 March – The Riksdag votes in favour of a new law regarding temporary closureof school activities in the event of extraordinary events in peacetime. The new actalso gives the Government the opportunity to temporarily close pre-schools,schools, out-of-school centres or other educational activities at the national,regional or municipal level. The Government has not yet decided to use thispossibility, on the grounds that this is not an efficient or effective measure forstopping the virus. Children and young people have not been a driving force in thepandemic.25 March – The Public Health Agency of Sweden implements new regulationsregarding a ban on crowding in restaurants, cafés and bars. This mean thatrestaurants, bars and cafés throughout the country need to take special measures toreduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.29 March – The Swedish Government decides to impose a ban on publicgatherings and public events with more than 50 participants following a requestfrom the Public Health Agency of Sweden, with the purpose of limiting the spreadof the virus.1 April – The Swedish Government decides to impose a ban on visits to all of thecountry’s retirement homes in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and toprotect the elderly who constitute a vulnerable group.18 April – The Riksdag decides to introduce a provision in the CommunicableDiseases Act, whereby the Government, will be entitled to issue certain provisions7 (27)Sweden Page 38on special measures. The provisions may, for example, concern the temporaryclosure of shopping centres and restaurants. If the Government issues any suchprovisions, they shall, in each individual case, immediately be examined by theRiksdag.13 June – Individuals without symptoms are permitted to travel within Sweden.The Government justifies the decision with the fact that there has been a decreasein the spread of the virus, but stresses that Sweden is still in a serious situation andthat everyone must follow the recommendations.14 June – Sporting activities may be started again. The decision applies to allsports, at all levels provided that the activity takes place outdoors and inaccordance with the restrictions on public events. The Government justifies thedecision as a measure to allow for the strategy to work over time.15 June – The Public Health Agency of Sweden eases its previousrecommendation and removes the requirement regarding remote education. Uppersecondary schools can therefore reopen.30 June – The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs lifts the advice against non-essential travel to ten countries: Belgium, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Croatia,Luxembourg, Portugal, Switzerland and Spain. The reason for opening up for theseten countries is that they have in turn decided to open up for persons travellingfrom Sweden and the rest of the EU. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs deems thatthis reduces uncertainty for Swedish travellers.30 June – The Swedish Government appoints a committee of inquiry to evaluatethe measures taken to limit the spread of the COVID-19 and the effects of itsspread.1 July – A new act regarding temporary communicable disease control measuresat venues serving food and drink comes into force. The act establishes that anyonerunning a venue that serves food and drink, such as a restaurant, bar or café, isresponsible for taking certain measures to prevent the spread of the virusresponsible for COVID-19.More information can be found at:• https://www.riksdagen.se/en/news/?cmskategori=corona-riksdagsbeslut• https://www.government.se/government-policy/the-governments-work-in-response-to-the-virus-responsible-for-covid-19/• https://www.folkhalsomyndigheten.se/the-public-health-agency-of-sweden/• https://www.krisinformation.se/en/hazards-and-risks/disasters-and-incidents/2020/official-information-on-the-new-coronavirus/restriktioner-och-forbud8 (27)Sweden Page 39• https://www.krisinformation.se/en/search?q=*&tags=coronavirus2020&pagetypes=newspage&pg=1&sort=16. Legislative and economic measures in response toCOVID-19The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the global economy and hasled to historic declines in GDP all over the world. It is estimated that the recoverywill take a long time.In a press release from 18 June, the Ministry of Finance writes that it expects GDPin Sweden to fall by 6 per cent this year. GDP growth was weak at 0.1 per cent(seasonally adjusted) during the first quarter, but there are indications of a moreconsiderable decline in the second quarter. The Ministry state that the COVID-19pandemic has had a serious impact on the global economy. However, it also saysthat there have recently been some signs of recovery, although from a very lowlevel and with great uncertainty.8The Swedish labour market has been greatly affected, with a continuing highnumber of redundancy notices as a result of the crisis. A considerable drop indemand has meant that the employment rate is expected to fall. Labour forceparticipation is also declining, although considerably less. This means thatunemployment is forecast to be 9.3 per cent this year.The system of short-term lay-offs is expected to counter what would otherwisehave been a larger drop in employment, as it enables businesses to hold onto staffto a greater extent.The deep economic downturn that is expected in 2020 will lead to weakened publicfinances. The deficit is estimated to be SEK 371 billion this year, which isprimarily due to the measures taken, but also due to the fact that tax revenues arelower as a result of reduced economic activity.To mitigate the economic effects on society of the COVID-19 outbreak, severalmeasures have been taken by the Government. The measures are intended toprovide greater security for those affected by the pandemic by limiting the spreadof the virus, combating the effects on businesses and jobs and providing financialsecurity and transition opportunities for those who become unemployed. They arealso intended to create the conditions for recovery after the crisis.8 https://www.government.se/press-releases/2020/06/some-signs-of-recovery-in-the-economy--but-situation-still-very-serious/9 (27)Sweden Page 40Reducing the spread of the virus2 April –The Riksdag approved an additional amending budget, including aproposal that will compensate municipalities and regions for extraordinarymeasures and extra costs in health and medical care associated with the COVID-19 virus. Additional funding has later been approved in connection with theamending budgets.2 April - The Riksdag approved a proposal from the Government that the sick paystandard deduction would be temporarily abolished (until the end of September).The reason for the proposal is to reduce the risk of the virus spreading in society.Central government will temporarily pay sick pay as from the first day of sickness.15 April – The Government proposed the payment of SEK 100 million in extrasupport for research and innovation that can help to stop the spread of the novelcoronavirus and strengthen society’s resilience and preparedness. The Riksdagapproved the proposal on 16 June.12 May – The Riksdag decided on additional funds to the National Board of Healthand Welfare and the Public Health Agency of Sweden. The National Board ofHealth and Welfare will receive an additional SEK 97 million in 2020, primarilyto cover the costs of its own staff and hired staff, as well as stockpiling of material.The Public Health Agency of Sweden will receive additional SEK 28 million tofund increased staffing and more in-depth analytical work to strengthen anddevelop its work as a result of the pandemic.23 June –The Riksdag approved the Government’s proposal on a ninth amendingbudget in response to the coronavirus outbreak which includes compensation tohigh-risk groups. The compensation is in the form of a temporary, extended rightto sick pay as a preventive measure for individuals in high-risk groups who areunable to work from home, disease carrier allowances for family members in thesame household as individuals in high-risk groups and temporary parental benefitsfor care of children who have recently been seriously ill.Health sector and social affairs8 April – The Riksdag approved a Government proposal for amendments to thebudget for 2020 in response to the coronavirus, including increased appropriationsto certain public authorities and organisations in order to enable more people to betested for the coronavirus, increased appropriations to the National Board of Healthand Welfare in order to ensure access to protective equipment and intensive careequipment, and more funding to organisations working with vulnerable childrenand people subjected to violence.10 (27)Sweden Page 417 May – The Government decided to give a special assignment to the SwedishGender Equality Agency to reach victims of violence. The Agency will receiveSEK 1.8 million in 2020 to carry out the assignment. The Government also decidedon a new ordinance on government grants that will enable the National Board ofHealth and Welfare to allocate SEK 100 million to non-profit organisationsaddressing increased vulnerability resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19. Themoney will go to organisations that work with children at risk and with women,children and LGBTI people who are victims of violence, organisations working toend domestic violence and ‘honour’-based violence and oppression.18 June – The Government decided to grant SEK 30 million to the municipalitiesin order to counter the consequences of isolation among the elderly. This fundingmay, for example, be used for digital solutions in services for the elderly.30 June – The Riksdag decided on provisions on dental care subsidies on accountof COVID-19. During the pandemic, many people have had to postpone dentalappointments and a great number of patients have been unable to complete acommenced course of treatment within the subsidy period for the high-costprotection system. In order to ensure that patients do not miss out on subsidies, theGovernment will be able, in special cases, to announce regulations that will meanthat the calculation of the subsidy will be permitted to deviate from the rules thatnormally apply.Businesses and jobs, financial compensation for the effects of thecoronavirus16 March – The Government presented a crisis package for Swedish businessesand jobs including a proposal about short-term layoffs. Employers’ wage costs canbe halved in that central government will cover a larger share of the costs. The aimis to save jobs. Short-term layoffs will be in effect from 16 March throughout 2020.The crisis package also includes liquidity reinforcement via tax accounts.Company payment respite covers tax payments for three months and is granted forup to 12 months.19 March – The Riksdag approved an amending budget from the Governmentwith a proposal that airlines shall be able to receive credit guarantees in 2020amounting to a maximum of SEK 5 billion. This is because the coronavirus hasreduced the demand for flights.1 April – The Riksdag approved an additional amending budget enabling theGovernment to grant credit guarantees up to a maximum of SEK 100 billion toSwedish credit institutes. The guarantees will apply to loans, primarily to small-and medium-sized businesses. The reason is that many companies have beenadversely affected by income losses, poorer liquidity and difficulties in obtainingloans on account of the spread of the coronavirus.11 (27)Sweden Page 423 April – The Riksdag approved an additional amending budget with severalmeasures in the field of taxation in response to the coronavirus. The aim of themeasures is to alleviate the consequences for companies in connection with thecoronavirus outbreak. Some examples of measures are that employer’s socialsecurity contributions and general payroll tax will be temporarily reduced and itwill also be possible for those who report VAT annually to receive a respite withpayment of VAT to be reported between 27 December 2019 and 17 January 2021.20 April – The Government decided on a temporary discount for fixed rental costsin vulnerable sectors. The Government is allocating support of SEK 5 billion toreduce fixed rents for vulnerable sectors such as durable consumer goods, hotels,restaurants and certain other activities. This covers, for example, retailers,logistical activities, restaurants as well as the organisation of congresses/fairs, andalso consumer services such as dentists, physiotherapist practices, and hair andbeauty salons.17 June – The Riksdag decided on additional measures to mitigate the impact ofthe virus outbreak on Swedish jobs and businesses. The measures involveredeployment support totalling SEK 39 billion. The aim of the support is to makeit possible for businesses to weather the acute crisis while making it easier for themto reorient and adapt their activities. This could apply to restaurants that need tosell more food via takeaway orders or taxi companies that can start makingdeliveries. The Ministry of Finance’s calculations show that almost 180 000businesses may be entitled to the support. The impact on public finances isestimated to be SEK 39 billion in 202023 June – The Riksdag approved a ninth additional amending budget on thecoronavirus which included capital investments in three state-owned companies:SAS, Swedavia and Lernia, as well as infrastructure measures connected with thecurrent COVID-19 outbreak, including additional funding for ambulance airservices and temporary support for the operation of regional airports.The labour market2 April – The Riksdag approved an additional amending budget which includedproposals that the state will temporarily assume responsibility for three quarters ofthe cost for short-term layoffs, will assume responsibility for sick pay for twomonths, will increase disease carrier allowances and will introduce the possibilityto amend the regulations for study allowances and education entry grants when onleave.8 April –The Riksdag approved a new amending budget including certainrelaxations in unemployment insurance and the removal of the income ceiling forobtaining study support.12 (27)Sweden Page 4320 April – The Government relaunched an initiative for green jobs for people whoare far from the labour market. The initiative is aimed at mitigating unemploymentlinked to the COVID-19 outbreak. SEK 150 million has been set aside for 2020and is part of the Government’s proposed Spring Amending Budget for 2020.30 April – The Government presented several measures to mitigate the economicconsequences of the pandemic. In order to meet an increased demand for educationand a change in the labour market, it has among other things proposed theintroduction of 12,000 more student places at higher education institutions inSweden in 2020 and 92,000 in 2021. SEK 10 million has been granted in new statefunding for career validation to promote skills development.12 May – A boost to the elderly care services was presented by the Government,offering paid education and training during working hours to elderly careemployees. The aim is to generate more permanent positions, and the initiativecomprises SEK 2.2 billion in 2020 and 2021, with the aim of includingapproximately 10 000 people.27 May - The Government announced investments to assist the green industries inthe absence of foreign seasonal workers. SEK 11 million is being invested tofacilitate the matching of unemployed people to the green industries such asplanting, greenhouse work and harvesting. The situation has been caused by travelrestrictions for seasonal workers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus ison recruitment of unemployed and young people.3 June – The Riksdag approved an additional amending budget. Among otherthings, more money from the central government budget for 2020 will beearmarked for compensation for high costs for sick pay, sickness benefits, acontribution to keep public transport running and a contribution for public healthand medical care.Cultural sector20 March - The cultural sector and sports movement will receive an extra SEK 1billion in support due to the economic consequences of the COVID-19 virus. Themoney will be distributed by grant-allocating agencies in the area of culture andby the Swedish Sports Confederation.8 May – The Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party proposed a grantof SEK 319 million in 2020 for several state-supported cultural institutions, suchas the Vasa Museum, Skansen, Dramaten, the Opera, the National Theatre andÁjtte, for lost income as a result of COVID-19.13 May – The Riksdag approved the Government’s proposal on temporarychanges to press subsidies. The proposal aimed to reduce the economicconsequences for the media in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.13 (27)Sweden Page 44All economic measure and the additional amending budgets can be found at:• https://www.government.se/articles/2020/03/economic-measures-in-response-to-covid-19/• https://www.riksdagen.se/en/news/?cmskategori=corona• https://www.regeringen.se/sveriges-regering/finansdepartementet/statens-budget/ekonomiska-atgarder-med-anledning-av-covid-19/7. Overview of the spread of the virus in Sweden, keystatistics and development over timeNumber of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in SwedenAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, up to and including week 26(28 June), approximately 67,300 cases9 of COVID-19 had been confirmed,corresponding to around 652 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. During week 26,approximately 7,600 cases were confirmed, representing an increase of about 200on the previous week. Increased testing has an impact on the possibility ofcomparing developments over time, as different groups have been tested todifferent extents at different periods during the outbreak. The cases are thereforepresented in two groups, mild and severe cases. The mild cases are primarily testedby the primary healthcare services and within the extended testing of health andsocial care workers. The severe cases are tested primarily within inpatient care orthe elderly care services and these cases mainly consist of individuals who havebeen prioritised for testing throughout the pandemic. Mild cases are mainlydiscovered through extended testing. Individuals tested through extended testingare, however, counted as severe cases if they are reported to have received hospitalcare, intensive care or to be deceased.10Mild cases are mainly found through extended testing and now represent themajority of reported cases, and of the cases during week 26, 86 per cent consistedof individuals suspected of having mild illness (83 per cent in the previous week),see diagram 2.9 Laboratory confirmed cases reported under the Contagious Diseases Act as per date of reporting.10 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.14 (27)Sweden Page 45Diagram 1. Number of tested individuals per week in Sweden according toconfirmed negative and positive testsNB: The diagram does not include cases diagnosed as part of sentinel surveillance.Source: The Public Health Agency of SwedenDiagram 2. Number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 per week in Sweden,mild and severe casesNB: The diagram does not include cases diagnosed as part of sentinel surveillance.Source: The Public Health Agency of Sweden15 (27)Sweden Page 46The number of confirmed cases among the elderlyThe National Board of Health and Welfare publishes information about the numberof confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the population aged 70 or above.11 Accordingto this information, some 15,300 individuals aged 70 or above have been infectedwith COVID-19 in Sweden, up to and including 30 June. Of these, almost half (46per cent) were 85 years old or above (7,000 people). The number of confirmedcases of COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants in each age group is high among thoseaged 80 or above, see table 1.12Table 1: Number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among the elderly (79years old or above) up to and including 30 June70‒74 yrs 75‒79 yrs 80‒84 yrs 85 yrs+ 70 yrs+Quantity 2 500 2 900 3 000 7 000 15 300Quantity per 100 000 440 670 1 090 1 130 1 010Population 560 400 428 600 273 100 263 300 1 525 300NB: Rounded to the nearest 10 or 100.Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research Service Number of cases of COVID-19 who have received intensive careAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the number of patients withlaboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who started intensive care has declined sinceweek 15 (6-12 April), when the greatest number of individuals started to receiveintensive care. From week 10 (2-8 March) to week 26 (22-28 June) approximately2,400 patients have been reported to receive intensive care, corresponding toapproximately 4 per cent of all reported cases. During week 26, intensive care wasstarted for an average of 6 patients with COVID-19 per day, representing adecrease compared to the previous week (average value 10), see diagram 3.1311 Confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden databaseSmiNet with a valid personal identity or coordination number, aged 70 or above.12 National Board of Health and Welfare, website Statistics on COVID-19 among the elderlyaccording to form of housing and Statistics on confirmed COVID-19 cases, infected or deceased,aged 70 or above.13 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.16 (27)Sweden Page 47Diagram 3. Number of new intensive care patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 per weekNB: A slight delay in reporting means that the number of patients per week may be revised.Source: The Public Health Agency of SwedenThe number of cases of elderly individuals with COVID-19 who have receivedintensive careAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, it is the 60-69 age group thathas hitherto had the greatest incidence14 of patients per week. Since mid-April,there has been a downward but varying trend in the most recent weeks, see diagram4. In total, more men (73 per cent) than women have received ICU care. Of thepatients reported to be receiving intensive care with COVID-19, the majority (71per cent) belonged to a medical high-risk group.1514 Cases of COVID-19 patients who have received ICU care.15 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.17 (27)Sweden Page 48Diagram 4. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in ICU care per week and agegroup (cases per 100,000 inhabitants).Source: The Public Health Agency of SwedenNumber of deaths related to COVID-19Definitions in statistics on deaths related to COVID-19Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and Germany all report deaths related toCOVID-19 after (or shortly before) verification in a laboratory16 17. This meansthat the deceased shall have been tested and tested positively to be included in thestatistics. All deaths are reported irrespective of the place of death, for example, ahospital, an elderly care home or at home. The public health agencies in Denmark,Sweden and Finland all count laboratory-confirmed cases of individuals who havedied within 30 days of their diagnosis. Norway has no time limit.1816 The individual has been positively tested for COVID-19 in a laboratory test.17 SARS-CoV-2.18 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Department for Surveillance and Coordination, e-mail 25May 2020.18 (27)Sweden Page 49Total number of deaths related to COVID-19 in SwedenAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, up to and including week 26(28 June), approximately 5,300 deaths related to COVID-19 have been registeredin Sweden19, see diagram 5, corresponding to 52 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.However, there is a delay in the statistics, and the number of deaths in weeks 25and 26 is expected to rise.20Diagram 5. Number of deaths related to COVID-19 in Sweden per weekNB: The data for the most recent two weeks are preliminary and are expected to increase.Source: The Public Health Agency of SwedenNumber of deaths related to COVID-19 among the elderly in SwedenThe National Board of Health and Welfare publishes information about the numberof deaths related to COVID-19 among people aged 70 and above.21 According tothese data, up to and including 30 June, there were around 4,700 deaths related toCOVID-19 among people aged 70 or above in the country. Of these, the majority(55 per cent) were 85 years old or older (2,600 people). The number of deaths19 Data presented according to date of death in the SmiNet reporting system.20 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.21 Confirmed individuals with COVID-19 infection with a valid personal identity number orcoordination number according to the Public Health Agency database SmiNet, aged 70 or above.19 (27)Sweden Page 50related to COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants in each age group is high amongthose aged 80 or above, see table 2. 22Table 2: Number of deaths related to COVID-19 among those aged 70 orabove up to and including 30 June70‒74 yrs 75‒79 yrs 80‒84 yrs 85 yrs+ 70 yrs+Quantity 420 660 1 000 2 590 4 670Quantity per 100 000 80 150 370 380 310Population 560 400 428 600 273 100 263 300 1 525 300NB: Rounded to the nearest 10.Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research ServiceExcess mortalityThe following gives an account of the most recent, available data on the numberof deaths regardless of registered cause of death, as well as excess mortality inSweden. The section begins with a definition of excess mortality.Definition of excess mortalityAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, a fairer picture of how COVID-19 affects the number of deaths in different countries can be obtained by comparingexcess mortality in different countries. The number of deaths per week is measured(regardless of cause) and compared to the expected mortality rate for the time ofthe year. Any deaths above the expected values are known as excess mortality.23Total excess mortality in SwedenThe National Board of Health and Welfare has analysed the number of deathsregardless of cause of death (all-cause mortality) between weeks 1 and 24 for theyears 2016–2020. The National Board of Health and Welfare’s report shows thatthe number of deaths in Sweden regardless of registered cause of death was lowerin weeks 1-11 in 2020 than it was during the corresponding weeks in the last fouryears (2016–2019), see diagram 6. From week 12 (16–22 March 2020) the numberof deaths was higher in 2020 than the average in the corresponding weeks duringthe last four years (2016–2019). The number of deaths was highest in week 15 (6–12 April) with almost 2,600 deaths, and then continued to fall until week 21 (18–22 National Board of Health and Welfare, website Statistics on COVID-19 among the elderlyaccording to form of housing and Statistics on confirmed cases of infections and deceased withCOVID-19, aged 70 and above.23 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.20 (27)Sweden Page 5124 May) when there were just below 1,900 deaths, to week 25, when there werearound 1,600 deaths.24Diagram 6: Average number of deaths per week, 2016–2019 and 2020Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research ServiceDiagram 7 compares the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020 withthe average during the period 2016–2019, per week. The comparison is made inorder to calculate the quota between the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitantsduring the given week in 2020 and the average during the same week in the period2016–2019. A value above 1.0 shows an increase in the number of deaths in 2020and a value below 1.0 shows a decrease in the number of deaths in 2020.The diagram shows that the number of deaths increased in 2020 from week 14,compared with the average in the corresponding weeks in the last four years (2016–2019). The quota reached a peak in week 15 (6–12 April) with 1.5 times as manydeaths in 2020 compared to the average in the last four years. Thereafter, the quotadecreased until week 23 (1–7 June), when it increased slightly. For the most recentweek (week 25), the quota is close to 1.0, i.e., approximately as many deaths per100,000 inhabitants as the average for week 25 in the last four years (2016–2019).24 National Board of Health and Welfare, website Statistics related to COVID-19.21 (27)Sweden Page 52Diagram 7: Relative changea) in the number of deaths per 100,000inhabitants per weeka) The quota between the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in the given week of 2020 and the averagein the same week during the period 2016–2019. A value above 1.0 shows an increase in the number of deaths in2020, and a value below 1.0 shows a decrease in the number of deaths in 2020.Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research ServiceDiagram 8: Number of deaths per week among the elderly (aged 70 orabove), average 2016–2019 and 2020Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research Service22 (27)Sweden Page 53Diagram 9 compares the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants aged 70 orabove in 2020 with the average during the period 2016–2019, per week. Thecomparison is made in order to calculate the quota between the number of deathsper 100,000 inhabitants during the given week in 2020 and the average during thesame week in the period 2016–2019. A value above 1.0 shows an increase in thenumber of deaths in 2020 and a value below 1.0 shows a decrease in the numberof deaths in 2020.The diagram shows that the number of deaths increased among elderly (aged 70 orabove) from week 12 onwards in 2020, compared with the average in thecorresponding weeks in the last four years (2016–2019). The quota reached a peakin week 15 (6–12 April) with twice as many deaths in 2020 compared to theaverage in the last four years. It then decreased until week 21 (18–24 May), whenit increased slightly. For the most recent week (week 25), the quota is close to 1.0,i.e., approximately as many deaths per 100,000 inhabitants as the average for week25 in the last four years (2016–2019).Diagram 9: Relative changea) in number of deaths per 100 000 inhabitantsamong the elderly (aged 70 or above), per weeka) The quota between the number of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in the given week of 2020 and the averagein the same week during the period 2016–2019. A value above 1.0 shows an increase in the number of deaths in2020, and a value below 1.0 shows a decrease in the number of deaths in 2020.Source: The National Board of Health and Welfare and the Riksdag Research Service23 (27)Sweden Page 548. National strategy for testing for COVID-19Over time, there have been changes as regards who has been tested for COVID-19in Sweden. Initially, (20 January–12 March) individuals who had visited areas25with known spreading of COVID-19 were tested.26On 13 March, the testing guidelines were amended as the situation had changed inparts of Sweden. In order to protect the most vulnerable groups in society, prioritywas given to testing of individuals in need of hospital care and staff in the healthand elderly care services with suspected COVID-19.27On 30 March, the Public Health Agency of Sweden was assigned by theGovernment to prepare a national strategy to extend testing for COVID-19.28 Thefirst part of the strategy was presented on 17 April. The Public Health Agency thenmade the following priorities: top priority for testing and diagnostics for patientsin medical care, elderly care and institutional care services, second priority forstaff in the medical and care services and in a third stage other key workers insociety. The Public Health Agency made the assessment that there was a nationalcapacity for diagnostics of approximately 50,000 tests per week which, accordingto the Public Health Agency, largely covered the need for testing of patients inmedical care services. However, the Public Health Agency concluded that theanalysis capacity for COVID-19 would need to be increased to a total of 150,000tests per week.29On 10 June, the most recent version of the national strategy for extended testingand laboratory analysis of COVID-19 was published. The purpose of the strategyis to ensure that the need for testing and analysis is met in the healthcare, elderlycare and institutional care services. Furthermore, the purpose is to increasecapacity for testing of suspected cases outside the medical services. This is to easethe negative impact of a large number of staff absences in areas of activity that areespecially important for the functioning of society. The strategy shows that testingcapacity has successively increased, see diagram 10.30From week 23 (1 June), testing has been extended in several regions to also includeindividuals with mild symptoms. According to the Public Health Agency, this has25 China, South Korea, Iran, northern Italy and parts of Austria (Tyrol including Innsbruck).26 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 21.27 Public Health Agency, New phase requires news measures to deal with COVID-19, press release.28 The Swedish Government, Assignment to swiftly extend number of tests for COVID-19,S2020/02681/FS.29 Public Health Agency, website National strategy to increase testing of COVID-19.30 Public Health Agency, National strategy to increase testing and laboratory analysis of COVID-19.24 (27)Sweden Page 55led to a significant increase in the number of new, confirmed cases. Extendedtesting is primarily carried out by the primary healthcare services.Diagram 10. Number of people tested and national testing capacity per weekSource: The Public Health Agency of SwedenNumber of COVID-19 tests in SwedenAccording to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, up to and including week 26(28 June), approximately 520,200 individuals have tested positive for COVID-1931, which corresponds to 5,050 tests per 100,000 inhabitants. During week 26, atotal of 75,200 tests were analysed, representing an increase in the number of testsof 13,300 compared to the previous week, see diagram 2.32The increase is due to the fact that since week 23, testing has been extended toinclude individuals with mild symptoms too. The extended testing affects thepossibility of comparing developments over time, as different categories have beentested to varying extents during different periods.31 According to laboratory-based surveillance.32 The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Weekly report on COVID-19 - week 26.25 (27)Sweden Page 569. Effects on the work of the RiksdagThe Riksdag and the Riksdag Administration have undertaken several of measuresto enable the Riksdag to continue its work despite COVID-19. The measures arebased on recommendations from the relevant authorities and agencies, and aim toreduce the risk of parliamentary work being affected by the pandemic and to reducethe risk of the virus spreading.During the pandemic, the Riksdag has met continuously. On 16 March, the partygroup leaders agreed to change work procedures so that just 55 members of theRiksdag would participate in votes in the Chamber (instead of all 349). Before eachvote, the parties decide which members are to be present to vote. All MPs haveremained in office, although partially in different forms. The agreement appliesfrom 16 March and has been extended several times. It currently applies until 7September. Since neither the Riksdag Act, nor other laws, stipulate that a specificnumber of MPs must participate in votes for the decisions to be valid, with theexception of certain kinds of decisions (for example changes in the Constitution)this change of procedure was possible.On 18 March, the number of deputies in the parliamentary committees and theCommittee on EU Affairs was increased, the parties can now nominate any numberof extra deputy members in order to ensure that the committees are fully manned.This is to ensure that parliamentary work can continue, the Riksdag can fulfil itstasks, and the Riksdag committees and the Committee on EU Affairs can continueto work.The committees have also rearranged their working procedures slightly. Duringmeetings at which the committees receive information, it has been possible for thecommittee members to participate via their phones. This has not been possible atmeetings involving the preparation of committee reports, so the committees haveplanned their meetings differently with shorter meetings for decisions and longerones for information. Parliamentary procedures have also been adapted so that itis possible to take decisions within a shorter time-span than usual.Since 16 April, there has been “free seating” in the Chamber during votes. Thismeans that the members are free to sit where they want, and therefore further apartfrom each other..33On 10 June, the Riksdag adopted a new provision in the Riksdag Act that gives themembers of the Riksdag the possibility to participate remotely in meetings of theparliamentary committees and the Committee on EU Affairs. The Riksdag or theSpeaker may decide to grant permission for remote participation in committee33 https://www.riksdagen.se/en/the-riksdags-work-in-connection-with-the-coronavirus/26 (27)Sweden Page 57meetings if there are exceptional grounds. Exceptional grounds may involve acrisis in society, such as a pandemic, a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. Therequirements for granting remote participation are less stringent in the Committeeon EU Affairs, since the committee occasionally needs to meet at inconvenienttimes or at short notice. The new provision came into force on 17 June 2020.34Furthermore, several measures have been taken to reduce the number of people inthe Parliament buildings: the Riksdag Administration has decided to cancel allguided tours of Parliament and to close the Riksdag Library until further notice,seminars and conferences with several external guests have been cancelled and allofficials who are able to do so are recommended to work from home.3534 https://www.riksdagen.se/en/news/2020/jun/11/possibility-for-members-to-participate-remotely-in-meetings-of-the-parliamentary-committees-and-the-committee-on-eu-affairs/35 https://www.riksdagen.se/en/the-riksdags-work-in-connection-with-the-coronavirus/27 (27)