COVID-19. As of Wednesday December 8, new measures apply to slow down the spread of covid-19. The measures are not primarily aimed at the higher education institutions, but universities are now reviewing what these messages mean for its operations.
On Tuesday, the government announced at a press conference its action plan to curb the spread of infection. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson began by emphasizing the importance of everyone who can be vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Everyone needs to take their share of responsibility for us to stop the spread of infection. Everyone needs to pull their straw to the pile and there are simple things everyone can and should do. The most important thing is to get vaccinated”, said Magdalena Andersson.
The action plan has three steps that are activated depending on the situation the country is in. Step one is introduced as early as December 8, and involves several tips and recommendations to slow down the spread of infection. The recommendations apply until January 31, 2022.
The recommendations are not aimed at higher education institutions
These recommendations are not primarily aimed at higher education institutions. The Swedish Public Health Agency and the government state in particular that the higher education institutions must maintain their core activities, such as conducting education and examination on site. The higher education institutions must, however, avoid larger gatherings and take infection control measures.
These measures apply from December 8
- Everyone is advised to keep their distance from other people in public environments, especially indoors.
- Employers are advised to make it easier for employees to get vaccinated and to inform about the importance of staying home in case of symptoms.
- Employers are recommended to make it possible for employees to keep their distance from each other, for example at meetings, in coffee rooms and changing rooms and to avoid large gatherings indoors with many participants.
- Employers are recommended to make it possible for employees to work from home to a certain extent when the work allows it.
- Adults are advised, if possible, to avoid congestion in public transport by choosing to travel other times than in rush hour traffic or by, for example, walking, cycling or driving. Adults are also recommended to use mouth guards in public transport if congestion can not be avoided.
Cancelled qualifying deduction
The government also informed that, among other things, the qualifying deduction period will be cancelled during the period December 8, 2021 to March 31, 2022. This in order to avoid a financial burden for those who to stay at home in the event of symptoms.
More information to follow
Work has been going on since last week to review the direction decisions and instructions decided by the Vice-Chancellor in relation to the new recommendations now decided. FAQs for employees and students will be updated as soon as possible.
Read more (in Swedish):
- The Government: The Government’s action plan for the introduction of infection control measures
- Swedish Public Health Agency: New measures to limit the spread of covid-19
- Swedish Public Health Agency: Protecting yourself and others – recommendations on covid-19
- The Swedish Social Insurance Agency: Corona virus – this applies
- Staff portal: Questions and answers for employees
- Student portal: Questions and answers for students
BY: ULRIKA LUNDIN
