Who gets tested would be expanded from health care workers and patients to also include first responders, police and other workers deemed essential to keep society functioning.

Sweden will only test for the virus and not carry out coronavirus antibody tests for the time being.

Last week, Sweden tested some 19,000 people Health and Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren said.

Friday's plans come roughly two weeks after the government promised it would boost testing numbers in the country after pressure from opposition parties like the centre-right Moderates called for increased testing.

Listen to the report to hear the details.