Sweden

In March 2020, several measures were implemented with the aim of restricting the spread of the virus in Sweden. Universities transitioned to online teaching, a measure that lasted until the end of the spring semester of 2021. Public events and meetings were restricted to 500 people, and this was later reduced to 50 and then eight people. Sports and recreational activities were suspended or had to be performed outdoors alone or in smaller groups, and competitions were limited or cancelled until December 2020, with some interim adjustments (Norlén, Gassen, & Randall, 2022).

In contrast to younger children, there were two periods of full online teaching for students at upper secondary schools, with the exception of students in vulnerable life situations. The first period was from March until June 2020 and the second period was for two weeks in December 2020. At that time, online teaching was also extended to years 7–9. An exception was made for students who benefited from one-on-one learning, for example, pupils who faced social challenges at home or who did not have a place to study.

Sports activities were affected by both the recommendations that limited free time and leisure, as well as general guidelines regarding events and social gatherings. During the first wave in spring 2020, sport activities had to be held outdoors, and events such as competitions or cups were restricted or prohibited. This particularly impacted indoor and team sports. In May 2020, competitions could be organised with no spectators if there were less than 50 people.

Public services such as libraries, swimming pools and gyms were not affected by the crowd restrictions, but safety measures were implemented (Helfer, Aapola-Kari, & Trane, 2023), (Norlén, Gassen, & Randall, 2022).