Despite a sharper tone from authorities and new restrictions, Sweden, which has famously relied on non-coercive measures, is struggling to contain a strong second wave of Covid-19 it thought it could avoid, reports AFP.

With very few coercive measures and no face mask rule, Sweden has stood apart by relying on citizens' “responsibility” and issuing only recommendations — with no sanctions if they are ignored.

However, some measures are binding, and on Nov 24 a ban on public gatherings of over eight people went into force, lowering the number from 50.

The capital Stockholm is once again at the epicentre of the epidemic and this week called on members of the public with medical training to help offset some of the burden on healthcare.

Lars Falk, a doctor at an intensive care unit at the Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, told AFP the second wave had hit much harder than they expected.