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The new limit is part of the Public Order Act and therefore is a law, not a recommendation like many of Sweden's coronavirus measures. It will come into effect on November 24th and will initially apply for four weeks.
Sweden's limit on attendees at public events was reduced to 50 in March, and was raised to 300 in late October for certain types of seated events only -- although several regions chose to keep the lower limit of 50.
The ban applies to public events such as concerts, performances, and sports matches, but not to places like schools or workplaces or to private gatherings. Prime Minister Stefan L?fven said "we can't regulate every social gathering" but urged people to follow the new limit at all kinds of events.
"There should not be social situations with more than eight people even if they are not formally affected by the law. This is the new norm for the whole society, for all of Sweden. Don't go to the gym. Don't go to the library. Don't have dinners. Don't have parties. Cancel," he said.
"It is an intrusive measure, but entirely necessary."
An earlier exemption which meant restaurants were excluded from the limit on event attendees will also be removed when the law change comes into effect.
L?fven also reminded people that in the regions affected by stricter local measures, the recommendation to avoid close contact with people you do not live with should be followed.
The new lower limit of eight comes as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country.
"It's going to get worse. Do your duty and take responsibility to stop the spread of infection. I'll say it again. It's going to get worse. Do your duty and take responsibility to stop the spread of infection," said Prime Minister Stefan L?fven at the press conference on Monday.
"Many people are tired of this situation and I understand this very, very well," said Prime Minister Stefan L?fven. "But at the moment, that doesn't matter. We have to do what we need to do."
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