5 Countries Embracing the 'Living with COVID' Approach

After over 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, several nations have opted to reopen and adopt a 'living with COVID' strategy.

Some of these countries boast impressive vaccination rates, while others have concluded that the ongoing economic and social restrictions are no longer justifiable.

These five countries are leading the way in rethinking their pandemic response—let’s see how their new policies unfold.

Denmark: The nation that called an end to strict health measures

On September 10, the Danish government removed all remaining COVID-19 restrictions, declaring that the virus no longer posed a 'critical threat to society.'

Danes can now enjoy unrestricted access to nightclubs and restaurants, no longer needing a 'COVID passport,' can travel on public transport without masks, and gather in large groups—essentially returning to pre-pandemic normalcy.

Denmark’s success in reopening is partly due to its impressive vaccination efforts: by September 13, more than 74% of the population was fully vaccinated, according to Our World in Data.

Health Minister Magnus Heunicke tweeted on Wednesday that the current transmission rate, or R-rate, stands at 0.7, signaling that the epidemic is continuing to decline. A rate above 1.0 indicates rising cases, while below 1.0 suggests a decrease in cases.

Heunicke credited the vaccines and the collective efforts of Denmark's citizens over an extended period as the foundation for the country's success in managing the pandemic.

Despite the optimism, Heunicke urged caution last month when the government set an end date for restrictions. 'Although we are in a good position now, we are not yet out of the epidemic. The government will act swiftly if the pandemic again threatens key aspects of society,' he warned.

Singapore: Aiming to live with COVID, but Delta remains a challenge

In June, Singapore’s government announced its intention to transition toward a 'living with COVID' strategy, focusing on controlling outbreaks through vaccinations and monitoring hospitalizations rather than imposing further restrictions on daily life.

Singapore’s leading COVID-19 officials shared in an op-ed that while the bad news is that COVID-19 may never fully disappear, the good news is that it’s possible to live normally with it alongside us.

In August, authorities started easing some restrictions, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to dine in restaurants and gather in groups of five, up from the previous limit of two.

However, a surge in cases driven by the highly contagious Delta variant has strained the strategy, prompting officials to pause any further reopening. They warned that restrictions might be reintroduced if the outbreak isn't controlled.

Singapore’s COVID-19 task force announced plans to curb the outbreak through enhanced contact tracing, isolating cases and clusters, and more frequent mandatory testing for high-risk workers.

Despite these efforts, Singapore recorded its highest one-day COVID-19 case total in over a year on Tuesday. However, authorities noted that severe illnesses remain relatively low, thanks to widespread vaccination.

Previously committed to a stringent 'zero-COVID strategy,' Singapore has one of the highest vaccination rates globally, with 81% of its population now fully vaccinated.

Thailand: Slow vaccine rollout, but the country is moving forward with reopening plans

Thailand announced plans to reopen Bangkok and other key tourist destinations to international visitors next month, aiming to jumpstart its vital tourism sector despite the rising infection rates.

As part of the expanded program, fully vaccinated tourists who follow a mandatory testing routine will be allowed to visit Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, according to Reuters.

Phuket reopened to vaccinated international visitors on July 1 without quarantine requirements. Following that, on July 15, Thailand launched a similar program for Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao, known as 'Samui Plus.'

While Thailand managed to keep infection rates low in 2020 through effective containment measures, the country has faced difficulties in controlling the virus this year.

Vaccination rates in Thailand are lagging behind some of its neighbors. As of September 13, just under 18% of the population had been fully vaccinated, with another 21% partially vaccinated, according to Our World in Data.

South Africa: Gradual easing of restrictions, but Delta remains a risk

South Africa has begun easing several COVID-19 restrictions as the country's infection rates continue to drop.

Among the changes, the nationwide curfew has been shortened to 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., gatherings are now allowed up to 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors, and restrictions on alcohol sales have been further relaxed.

The easing of restrictions, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, marks a significant shift for a country that endured strict social distancing measures throughout much of the pandemic, even banning all gatherings except funerals at times, and where vaccination rates remain low.

Ramaphosa cautioned that the devastating third wave of infections, driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, has not yet ended. However, he emphasized that the country now has enough vaccine doses to cover its entire adult population, with over a quarter of adults having received at least one dose.

He urged citizens to get vaccinated and follow the remaining restrictions to help the country return to normalcy.

'The third wave is not yet over, and only through our individual and collective efforts can we reduce the number of new infections,' Ramaphosa said.

Chile: High vaccination rates pave the way for the return of tourists

Chile has received international praise for its efficient and successful vaccination campaign. According to the latest reports from the health ministry, nearly 87% of eligible Chileans are fully vaccinated.

The country has begun administering booster shots to those who are fully vaccinated. Additionally, health authorities approved the use of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine for children aged six and older, with inoculations beginning on Monday.

Despite concerns over the Delta variant, the government announced plans to reopen to international tourism starting October 1, just in time for the southern hemisphere’s summer season.

Foreign visitors will be allowed entry as long as they meet specific requirements and quarantine for five days upon arrival.

Under-Secretary for Tourism José Luis Uriarte emphasized, 'Allowing foreign tourists to visit Chile is a crucial step in the recovery of our inbound tourism sector. This is just the beginning, and as long as we maintain the right health conditions, we can continue progressing.'