Denmark Implements Partial Lockdown as COVID Cases Surge

On Friday, Denmark’s Prime Minister announced that theaters, cinemas, concert halls, amusement parks, museums, and art galleries nationwide must close due to new restrictions aimed at curbing the coronavirus spread.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the measures also mandate that stores under 21,500 square feet and restaurants must limit customer capacity. Additionally, restaurants are required to serve their last meals and alcoholic drinks by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. each night.

The parliament's 21-member epidemic committee approved the partial shutdown order later on Friday. Most restrictions will take effect on Sunday, December 19, at 8 a.m.

The Danish government is advising residents to minimize social interactions during the Christmas holidays and has encouraged both public and private companies to allow employees to work from home whenever feasible.

“We are not discussing a complete lockdown of the country as we did last year,” Frederiksen stated. “Our aim remains to keep as many parts of society open as possible. We must reduce activity and limit our social interactions.”

Similar to many other European nations, Denmark is experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with health officials noting that infections and hospitalizations are increasing more rapidly than anticipated.

The country recorded 9,999 new cases on Thursday, with the number exceeding 11,000 on Friday, according to the prime minister.

The new variant “spreads at an alarming rate. It would be reckless not to suggest additional restrictions,” remarked Soeren Brostroem, head of the Danish Health Authority.

Lars Sandahl Sorensen, leader of the Confederation of Danish Industry, which represents around 18,000 businesses, stated that this decision “was not something anyone desired. Not at all. Unfortunately, this will lead to a disappointing Christmas for many.”

Denmark currently mandates face masks on public transport and in stores. The government intends to broaden this mask requirement to include schools and places of worship.

In response to the government’s announcement, the royal palace stated that some planned January festivities to celebrate the 50th jubilee of Denmark’s beloved monarch, Queen Margrethe, will be postponed.

These events include a mid-January procession through Copenhagen in a horse-drawn carriage, as well as a series of gatherings involving Denmark’s royal family, Danish officials, and international guests, both in the capital and across the country.

The queen aims to lay a wreath at her parents’ grave on January 14—marking 50 years since the passing of her father, King Frederik IX—and to engage with the Danish government and officials, according to the palace.

Last year, Denmark was among the first European nations to close schools due to the pandemic, with the government sending home all public employees in non-essential roles. Additionally, gatherings of more than 100 people were prohibited.

In September, the government declared that the outbreak should no longer be regarded as “a socially critical disease,” referencing the high vaccination rates.

Recent statistics show that 80 percent of individuals aged five and older in Denmark have received two vaccine doses, while 84 percent have received their first shot.

In Finland, the Institute for Health and Welfare reinstated a recommendation on Friday for the use of face masks in public areas, including public transport. This measure is effective immediately and applies to everyone aged 12 and above.