Sweden has told citizens for the first time to start wearing masks on public transport to stem the spread of coronavirus.
The recommendations, announced on Friday, stipulate that Swedes should be wearing face coverings at peak times when “congestion cannot be avoided” – an apparent turnaround from the country’s criticised approach to the pandemic.
Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said other restrictions would also be coming into force, such as halving the number of people who can eat together in a restaurant and bringing forward a curfew on alcohol sales.
Previously, eight people could dine together, but this will be cut to four, while alcohol sales will be banned after 8pm.
The latter will come into effect on Christmas Eve, the day Swedes usually exchange their gifts.
Also announced were further restrictions on people entering shopping centres and gyms, and non-essential workers have been urged to stay at home.
High school students will receive distance lessons until January 24.