Sweden Introduces Vaccine Passports to Avoid More Encroaching Restrictions

Source: https://sputniknews.com/20211118/sweden-introduces-vaccine-passports-to-avoid-more-encroaching-restrictions-1090822606.html

Despite Swedish state epidemiologist Anders Tegnell previously voicing practical and ethical problems surrounding vaccine passports and emphasizing a belief in a voluntary approach, the Public Health Agency cited an increasing spread of infection in Europe as the reason behind the measure. Vaccination certificates will be introduced for public gatherings and public events in Sweden, based on a request from the Swedish Public Health Agency backed by the government. The Public Health Agency cited an increasing infection spread in Europe as the reason behind the measure. “We believe that we are also facing an increased spread of infection and that is what we must expect”, Director General Karin Tegmark Wisell said, as quoted by national broadcaster SVT. While the Public Health Agency’s request only applied to public gatherings and events with over 100 people indoors (such as theatres, concerts, and sporting events), Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren said that vaccination passports should be used at even smaller gatherings. “By introducing vaccination certificates now, we hope to be able to avoid more far-reaching restrictions”, Hallengren said.