The Swedish government announced on Tuesday that it is preparing measures to restrict the entry of travelers from China, which should be defined in the short term, in view of the wave of Covid-19 that has hit Chinese territory.

"The government has instructed the Swedish Public Health Agency to analyze the situation in China and the consequences for Sweden and propose measures, including possible entry restrictions. We are prepared for different scenarios," said the Swedish Minister of Public Health and Social Affairs, Jakob Forssmed, quoted in a joint statement by the Swedish Ministries of Health and Justice.

Sweden, the note adds, is admitting to "introducing certain restrictions that require a negative Covid-19 test" and travelers from China "need to be prepared for decisions taken in the short term" by the Swedish authorities.

"We are in dialogue with our European colleagues to ensure that the rules are as uniform as possible across the European Union (EU)," said Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer, quoted in the statement and by Lusa. According to the statement, the lifting of China's exit restrictions, combined with the increase and widespread spread of Covid-19 in the country, has raised the issue of introducing entry restrictions, including in Europe.

The document also stressed that, as President of the Council of the European Union, Sweden has also called a meeting of the Council's Political Crisis Response Mechanism (IPCR) on Wednesday to discuss the issue of entry restrictions with a view to a common agreement between the countries of the European bloc.