The European country ditching all Covid restrictions – except one
Denmark has become the first European country to lift all domestic Covid-19 restrictions after vaccinating 80 per cent of all people over the age of 12.
Danish minister of health Magnus Heunicke declared the pandemic is “under control” due to high rates of vaccination in Denmark and the virus is no longer a “critical threat to society”.
“The government has promised not to hold on to the measures any longer than was necessary, and there we are now,” Mr Heunicke said.
The move was approved in late August with all restrictions officially scrapped from today.
Post-Covid life in Denmark
Danes no longer need to show a “Covid pass” to enter restaurants, sports centres, nightclubs or large events.
Schools have reopened, with children no longer being sent home if they come into close contact with a confirmed case.
Only those infected have to quarantine and workers can go back to the office as normal.
One restriction remains
However, it’s not a complete return to pre-pandemic life.
Restrictions around borders and travel remain in place for now because they are controlled by a separate political agreement, which is set to expire at the end of October.
Denmark’s border rules currently allow most people who can prove they are fully vaccinated or can present a negative test to visit the country.
Double-dosed Americans and Canadians can enter Denmark for any purpose. Those not considered to be fully immunised must present a negative test result and must also take a test upon arrival.
But the threat of restrictions being re-implemented still looms if the health system becomes overwhelmed with positive cases.
“But even though we are in a good place right now, we are not out of the epidemic. And the government will not hesitate to act quickly if the pandemic again threatens important functions in our society,” Mr Heunicke said.
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