For the first time, Swedеn to introduce vaccination certificates in public life sphere

The measure enters into force on 1 December

Swedish health authorities have requested from the national government to introduce new restrictions regarding large-scale indoor gatherings, such as concerts or other events. The recommendation is simple – any such event that hosts more than 100 people can ask for a vaccination certificate from would-be attendees. This will apply to anyone above the age of 18 and will enter into force from 1 December.

Sweden now joins the general European trend on health passes

There is no perceptible spike in new coronavirus cases in the Scandinavian country, in fact, the situation has more or less plateaued since the end of the summer there. However, the Swedish Public Health Agency would rather not let things be completely out of control. Nevertheless, they are still charting a course that is markedly different from the rest of Europe.

“Vaccine passes are a measure that we see as necessary,” Karin Tegmark Wisell, the agency’s director-general, said at a press conference announcing the move. Her concern stemmed from the rising infection rates elsewhere in Europe. “We cannot just kick back and hope for the best”.

On the one hand, the vaccination certificates will for the first time become a barrier to social life in the country, whereas in many other EU countries they have been required for months. On the other, the imposition of such a pass will be left to the discretion of the organizers of the large indoor events.

That means that they can choose whether to require the certificate from attendees. If they choose not to require certificates at the entrance then they will have to follow restrictions in terms of the number of attendees per square metres, also to enter into force from 1 December. The capacity limitations, however, were not clarified at the press conference on 17 November.

The new restrictions will apply to theatres, concerts, cinemas, nightclubs, sports events, dance performances, funfairs, and amusement parks, markets, conferences, demonstrations, and religious services. The possibility of requiring a vaccine certificate will not be available for smaller venues (less than 100 attendees), though.