Today in Sweden: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday

Fewer Covid patients in Sweden’s intensive care units

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care in Sweden has halved in the past month, as more and more people get vaccinated.

In terms of nationwide intensive care figures, Sweden reached the peak of the third wave on April 20th this year, when 417 Covid-19 patients were in intensive care. That compares to fewer than 200 today. People aged 50-59 are now the biggest group of patients in intensive care, reports the TT newswire, but not because they have increased in numbers – rather because there are far fewer patients aged 60-79.

More than 44 percent of Sweden’s adults have received their first vaccine dose, and more than 90 percent of people aged over 70 have received their first dose.

Swedish vocabulary: intensive care – intensivvård

Are these Sweden’s best beaches?

Eight beaches and 15 marinas in Sweden have received the prestigious Blue Flag status this year. The flags are awarded each year for their environmental friendliness, with beaches and marinas marked for their water quality and safety of their facilities.

You can find a full list and map of the Blue Flag beaches and marinas HERE.

Swedish vocabulary: Blue Flag – Blå flagg

Sweden rolls out first step of easing coronavirus restrictions

Sweden’s five-step “reopening” plan gets under way today.

From today, amusement and animal parks can reopen, albeit with a limited number of visitors. Permanent amusement parks such as Liseberg, Gröna Lund, Skara Sommarland and others will be allowed one person per 20 square metres.

Up to 50 people will be allowed at cinemas, theatres and other seated indoor events. Up to 500 spectators are also allowed at sports events that can offer designated seating. In smaller arenas or standing events, the maximum is 100 spectators.

There are several more changes happening today, including to guidelines for travellers from abroad. You can read more about all the changes in THIS article.

Swedish vocabulary: change – (en) förändring

Today, Sweden is set to roll out the first step of its five-step plan to lift the country’s coronavirus restrictions and recommendations. Here’s what changes on June 1st. https://t.co/rDzYmylI5P

— The Local Sweden (@TheLocalSweden) June 1, 2021

Northern maternity care unit closes for three weeks this summer

A maternity care unit at Lycksele Hospital in northern Sweden will be closed for three weeks this summer, due to a shortage of midwives. Patients who are due to give birth will instead have to go to Umeå or Skellefteå, 130 and 160 kilometres from Lycksele.

“It’s a unique and very regrettable situation,” said the regional healthcare director Brita Winsa in a statement. “Of in total ten midwives, two have quit and two have gone on sick leave. Closing for three weeks in summer is our only viable alternative.”

The Local has previously written about the maternity care situation in Sweden, which has faced issues for several years. Between 2000 and 2017, nine maternity clinics were closed nationwide, with the sparsely populated northern regions particularly affected. After protests, recent years have seen regions invest in improving maternity care.

Swedish vocabulary: midwife – (en) barnmorska

Women who gave birth in 2020 told The Local how they were affected by hospital staff shortages, as a new study shows that more than 900 women in Stockholm could not be offered a place on maternity wards when they gave birth. https://t.co/A9qv57EVNL

— The Local Sweden (@TheLocalSweden) May 17, 2021