Sweden, whose softer approach to fighting the novel coronavirus has drawn global attention, has one of the EU's highest rates of new cases but authorities say the spread is slowing, AFP reported.

In the last two weeks, Sweden was only second to Luxembourg in the EU in terms of new cases per capita with new infections more than six times the European Union average.

Over the past 60 days, Sweden has seen a drastic increase in the number of new cases, but authorities stress that serious Covid-19 cases and associated deaths have declined.

“If you increase testing you will find more cases,” deputy state epidemiologist Anders Wallensten told AFP.

“But the more serious cases, those who become sick and need hospital care have rather decreased,” Wallensten added.