Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson of Sweden tested positive for the coronavirus on Friday, days after her government introduced new restrictions to curb a fourth wave of cases driven by the Omicron variant.
A government press secretary, Darina Agha, said that the prime minister was “feeling well considering the circumstances” and that she would continue her work while isolating at home.
Several other Swedish officials have also tested positive for Covid since attending a parliamentary debate on Wednesday. Members of the country’s royal family, including the king, queen and crown princess, also contracted the virus this month.
The country introduced new rules this week to curb a rise in cases.
Starting Wednesday, restaurants and bars have been required to close by 11 p.m. and limit the size of parties to eight people. Restrictions were also imposed on public gatherings and events, including a vaccination certificate requirement for those attending events of more than 50 people.
Sweden, which stood out in Europe for its decision not to introduce a lockdown early in the pandemic, is now averaging 22,790 new virus cases per day, according to Our World in Data. Last week, the Swedish Health Agency reported 124,211 cases, more than double the previous week’s figure.
