Please note: These FAQ:s may not be completely updated due to the rapid change in the pandemic situation, the increasing knowledge about COVID-19 and hence the continuous review of preventive measures recommended in Sweden.
GENERAL
Do I have to present a negative Covid-19 test result in order to enter Sweden?
Traveller from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Island do not need to present a negative test result upon entry into Sweden. Traveller from all other country of origin are required to do so. The test must have been taken within 48 hours of your time of arrival. All common types of tests are accepted (PCR, Antigen, LAMP) as long as they are done by a certified operator.
What is the Swedish policy regarding face masks?
Sweden does not currently recommend face masks in public settings since the scientific evidence around the effectiveness of face masks in combatting the spread of infection is unclear. However, there may be situations where face masks can be useful despite the uncertain state of knowledge about the effects. Face masks must always be seen as complementary to other recommendations: stay quarantined when you have symptoms, wash your hands regularly and keep at a distance from others.
What is the recommendation for travel within Sweden?
Anyone without symptoms who is not newly diagnosed COVID-19 is allowed to travel within Sweden.
- If possible, travel by other means than public transportation, e.g. by bicycle or walk. If you need to travel by public transport, it is preferable to choose an alternative where it is possible to book a seat in advance, e.g. train.
- We advise you to avoid any travel by public transport where you cannot book a seat in advance, e.g. trams, subway and local buses. If this is not possible, ensure physical distance from other people.
- If you are ill you should not travel at all. People belonging to a risk group particularly need to consider whether they should travel or receive visitors. Those belonging to risk groups are primarily people who are 70 or over, and people with an underlying disease such as cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or diabetes.
AT ARVIDSJAUR AIRPORT
Are face masks mandatory at Arvidsjaur airport?
Yes, all passengers should wear masks at the airport at all times, and the staff who interact with the passengers will also wear masks. At the security checkpoint, the staff will be equipped with visors.
How are arriving and departing passengers separated, to avoid contact?
The aisle between arrivals and departures is closed off, with separate entrances for arriving and departing passengers.
Will the check-in procedure look any different than usual?
Yes, passengers will be asked to ”pre check-in” to reduce pressure at check-in. More check-in counters will be open, and they will open earlier than usual when necessary, to reduce queues.
How does the security control work?
There will be two queues at the security checkpoint, and the staff will wear visors.
How do I avoid crowding at the luggage claim area?
It is recommended to exit the terminal as soon as your bags have been claimed to avoid unnecessary crowding.
ACCOMMODATION
Is there the possibility of quarantine care in the hotels, including food supply?
Yes there is, each facility has an action in place to handle a situation where a guest needs to be quarantined. Extra rooms/cabins are prepared for this eventuality with catering possibilities from the restaurant.
Is an automatic extension of the stay due to quarantine possible?
Yes, it will be possible but we still recommend checking this with your accommodation before arrival.
Will the bandwidth and wifi capacity in the hotel rooms be sufficient for use as a home office?
Our hotels have different types of solutions regarding this, but according to the information we have received, it should be possible for those who are ill or for other reasons need to work from their hotel room to have internet access with satisfactory bandwidth.
Is there increased cleaning frequency?
The accommodations have developed routines for extended cleaning procedures. For more detailed information, feel free to contact your accommodation.
RESTAURANTS
What actions or hygiene concepts have the restaurants planned?
They are to follow the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s and Visita’s guidelines. They will provide face masks and disposable gloves for their staff, extended cleaning of public areas and systematically disinfect exposed areas. They also have the responsibility to create conditions for restaurant guests to keep their distance, and to package goods safely.
Who is responsible for ensuring that restaurants and shops take the necessary measures?
The company owners themselves are responsible for taking adequate actions to stop virus transmission. The municipality’s environmental- and health inspectors are responsible for monitoring restaurants. They have the mandate to shut down the business if restaurants do not follow the necessary regulations.
HEALTHCARE
Where and how can I be tested?
If you are sick or have symptoms and want a Covid-19 test, contact Arjeplog Health Centre at +46 (0)961-14801. Note! If you are sick or have symptoms, you must always contact the Health Centre before visiting. They perform tests on Monday through Thursday and the test is free of charge. Only people who display some kind of symptom are allowed to be tested. On evenings and weekends, call +46 (0)961-148 02 in order to reach the Health Centre. The emergency number 112 should only be used in acute situations.
How long does it take to get the test result?
At the moment it takes about 3-7 days to get the test result back from the health centers.
How do I get the result from my test?
Standard procedure for the health centers is to send the result in a letter. Therefore, it is important to provide all relevant contact information when you are being tested. If the test is positive, you will also be contacted over the phone.
What should I do if I have tested positive but have no or only mild symptoms?
Immediate quarantine and infection tracking.
Who is responsible for the contact tracing procedure?
The health centers are responsible for the contact tracing when a person has tested positive.
What happens in severe cases when a visitor needs intensive care?
Anyone in need of intensive care will get it.
Where do you get intensive care for covid-19?
At Piteå or Sunderby hospitals.
Who decides who needs advanced health care?
This is determined by the staff at the Health Centre, based on the patient’s general condition.
Is there a reporting chain, if you have severe symptoms?
If Covid-19 has been detected, yes.
How can I get an antibodies test, and where and how can I be tested?
Only local residents may be tested for antibodies at the Health Centre. Our local pharmacies offer antibody tests to everyone, at a cost of 595 SEK.
What if I experience mild symptoms that passed quickly, before I had the chance to be tested?
If you experience symptoms that pass quickly, and can’t be related to a known cause such as physical activity or allergy, you must stay quarantined unti you have been completely symptom-free for two days. This is to ensure that the symptoms really were temporary.
Are there any alternatives to Arjeplog Health Center if I need a faster test result, or if I want to be tested without experiencing any symptoms?
Yes. In Arjeplog, local healthcare provider Lapland Medical Services will offer Antigen testing for individuals without active symptoms. The tests are performed by trained professionals and the test result is presented the day. These tests may be used for obtaining travel certificates.
How do I book a time for Antigen testing?
Each company/organization should appoint one person as coordinator/contact person to handle the booking of tests for its staff. Every Company Client will through their assigned coordinator/contact person get a review of the terms and procedure of sampling. This includes expected actions in the case of finding an asymptomatic individual carrying the virus of SARS-CoV-2 within the organization.
Ordering of tests will be done in units. 1 Unit contains testing of 4 individuals. Through working with Units, the flow of individuals are being controlled, and will effectively minimize contact between the different Company Clients personnel.
The individuals need not be specified beforehand. They will have forms to fill in before entering the Clinic, and will identify themselves before sitting down in the laboratory.
Prebooking of units to ensure that your company has available testing capacity can be done beforehand. Those will be prioritized and will be planned according to agreement. A digital platform will be used for single units. Those can only be changed and cancelled up to one week prior to date.
When prebooking over a 6 week span or more, with a minimum of 3 Units per week, a reduced price of 3200 SEK/unit ( 4×800 SEK) will be offered. Single booking price 3800 SEK/ Unit ( 4×950). The digital system for individual bookings will be open soon. More information to follow.
How do I get in contact with Lapland Medical Services? Either by sending an email to laplandmedicalservices@gmail.com or by calling Dr Stina Renberg at +46 (0)961-100 00
ACTIVITIES
Will it be possible to book activities in Arjeplog?
Yes. Activity companies are taking extra precautions to make sure that governmental recommendations are being followed, such as extra cleaning, disinfection of clothes and equipment, smaller groups etcetera. Contact your activity provider for more detailed information.
For more information, visit krisinformation.se.
For more information about PCR tests in the region, visit swedishlaplandvisitorsboard.com
This document is compiled in co-operation between Arjeplog and Arvidsjaur municipalities, the local business organisation Argentis and the Swedish Proving Ground Association. The information is
subject to change and will be updated regularly.
Last edited: June 14, 2021