Sweden's government is rushing to put forward a temporary pandemic bill that would give it powers to shut shops, private museums and, by law, limit the number of people in gatherings, TT News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Sweden has shunned lockdowns throughout the pandemic and has preferred to work with voluntary measures aimed at promoting social distancing and good hygiene. The government has lacked the power to enforce many of the recommendations by sanctions.

But with records for new cases set almost every week...