Sweden introduces rule of eight for diners as COVID-19 deaths jump

Sweden has introduced a limit of eight people per table in cafes and restaurants amid ballooning coronavirus cases.

Since Friday, the Scandinavian country has recorded 31 virus fatalities, bringing the death toll to 5969, the BBC reports.

The number is far higher than its European neighbours which are also enduring a second wave of the pandemic.

READ MORE: Germany starts 'wave breaker' lockdown

Sweden pursued a controversial no-lockdown policy during the northern summer.

But now in the cooler autumn months, the government has introduced restrictions to stem rising case numbers.

"We have a very serious situation," Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said. He also warned the virus was "going in the wrong direction".

Mr Löfven also announced voluntary health advice to avoid public transport and non-essential shopping was being extended to three further regions.

READ MORE: The COVID-19 measures you may not know about as lockdown ends in Melbourne

That brought 70 per cent of Sweden's 10.5 million people under restrictions.

Johan Carlson, the head of the Swedish Public Health Agency, has warned Swedes "we have a long, tough winter in front of us".

More than 134,000 people have been infected in the country since the start of the pandemic.

Unlike most countries, Sweden did not go into a lockdown when the pandemic spread across Europe from March.

EXPLAINED: Queensland's coronavirus border restrictions

Instead, there was an emphasis on personal responsibility, with most bars, schools, restaurants and salons remaining open.

But last month when confronted with rising COVID-19 cases, health officials introduced local voluntary restrictions.

The measures gave local health officials powers to instruct citizens to avoid shopping centres, museums, libraries, swimming pools, gyms, sports training, sports matches and concerts.

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