Sweden PM warns that danger of virus is 'increasing'

Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has again urged his country's citizens to do what it takes to fight coronavirus pandemic as “people's health and lives are still in danger".

In a rare televised dress late on Sunday, somber-looking Lofven said it was “utterly necessary” to act.

Sweden opted for a different, and much debated, approach to handling pandemic by keeping large sections of society open.

It relied mainly on recommendations to population to maintain social distancing and just repeated pleas to act responsibly.

In fall as second wave arrived, Sweden saw a rapid increase in new cases.

Strains put on medical services pushed government to take stricter measures, including a nationwide ban on sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. in bars and restaurants.

Sweden also set strictest virus restrictions to date by banning public garings of more than eight people.

Sweden has reported more than 201,000 cases and 6,340 deaths.