Stockholm plans to open its first field hospital this weekend for patients suffering from the new coronavirus as cases rise in the city, AFP quoted officials as saying on Thursday.

The field hospital has been erected in a large exhibition centre in the southern suburb of Alvsjo.

Sweden has reported 5,466 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 282 deaths. The actual figures are likely much higher, as only severe cases and health care personnel are being tested for the illness.