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 the coronavirus pandemic as “people's health and lives are still in danger".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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