Swedish News, July 8

Sida provides multi-million support to WHO / Corona virus update July 8 / 'Don't make new acquaintances' 

• Sida provides WHO multi-million support
  Swedish aid authority Sida has decided to support WHO with SEK 430 million ($45 million), reports Swedish newspapers. A major part of the support, 320 million, is planned to be given as an unbundled grant for the years 2020 and 2021. The reason is that the WHO will be able to use the funds where they have the most benefit. According to Sida, important health issues are at risk of being pushed away as the world focuses on fighting covid-19. "Therefore, it is more important than ever to support the construction of robust health systems," Sida writes in a press release.

• Corona virus update July 8
  5,482 people have died from covid-19 in Sweden. 35 new deaths have been reported since Tuesday, according to figures from the Public Health Authority. The total number of reported infections now stands at 73,858. 92 covid-19 patients are currently being treated with a respirator. “The availability of intensive care is good. We have almost 34% available capacity, which is positive,” according to a spokesperson at the National Board of Health and Welfare.

• 'Don't make new acquaintances'
  The number of dead and seriously ill in covid-19 continues to decline in Sweden. But in tourist resorts around the country there are concerns and reports of congestion on streets and beaches. "Don't make new acquaintances during the holidays," says Johan Carlson, Director General of the Public Health Authority. According to the Swedish Agency for Social Protection and Preparedness (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap, MSB), there are many indications that travel in Sweden is increasing. The County Administrative Board in Kalmar for example, reports of congestion in the outdoor environments on the island Öland. This is especially true on the streets and beaches.