The Swedish island of Gotland has hired a medieval re-enactment troupe to help reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading the infection.
Over the next few weeks, the Torneamentum Knights’ Association will be doing the “Covidriddarna” in Visby and other tourist spots on the island, where they will spread messages about social distancing and avoid spreading COVID-19.
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“We are both happy and proud that we have been called into this important and honorable assignment,” says Lennart Borg, a member of the troupe. “For us knights, it is a matter of course to stand up when duty calls and we really look forward against taking on the task.”
“This is a slightly different and fun approach,” adds Frida Ganshed, Operations Manager Gotland’s United Visiting Industry. “It is so important to do everything we can to remind people to keep their distance and take responsibility. Hopefully the knights help us with that.”
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Gotland has several historic sites dating back to the Middle Ages, and the island hosts an annual medieval festival – which this year will be held online.
“Visby and Gotland are for many so strongly associated with the Middle Ages,” notes Magnus Olsson, the Operations Manager for Visby Centrum. “Now that we have the big family weeks ahead of us, we hope and believe that this initiative will create an increased awareness among everyone at the same time as it further strengthens our good hospitality.”
Top Image: Picture of the Covidriddarna receiving visitors on the cruise quay in Visby – photo courtesy Region Gotland.
The Swedish island of Gotland has hired a medieval re-enactment troupe to help reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading the infection.
Over the next few weeks, the Torneamentum Knights’ Association will be doing the “Covidriddarna” in Visby and other tourist spots on the island, where they will spread messages about social distancing and avoid spreading COVID-19.
“We are both happy and proud that we have been called into this important and honorable assignment,” says Lennart Borg, a member of the troupe. “For us knights, it is a matter of course to stand up when duty calls and we really look forward against taking on the task.”
“This is a slightly different and fun approach,” adds Frida Ganshed, Operations Manager Gotland’s United Visiting Industry. “It is so important to do everything we can to remind people to keep their distance and take responsibility. Hopefully the knights help us with that.”
Gotland has several historic sites dating back to the Middle Ages, and the island hosts an annual medieval festival – which this year will be held online.
“Visby and Gotland are for many so strongly associated with the Middle Ages,” notes Magnus Olsson, the Operations Manager for Visby Centrum. “Now that we have the big family weeks ahead of us, we hope and believe that this initiative will create an increased awareness among everyone at the same time as it further strengthens our good hospitality.”
Top Image: Picture of the Covidriddarna receiving visitors on the cruise quay in Visby – photo courtesy Region Gotland.
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