Denmark closes schools and promotes remote work as infections rise

It has reintroduced several measures following the rapid spread of the Omicron variant

On 8 December, the Danish government held a press conference to announce the reintroduction of COVID restrictions. The decision to reinstate measures comes after the country recorded its highest number of infections since the outbreak of the pandemic. Although the government wishes to keep society as open as possible, the number of cases and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant warrant tighter restrictions.

Nightlife and entertainment

As of 10 December, all nightlife venues will have to cease operations. While indoor and outdoor restaurants will be allowed to remain open, they will also have to close from midnight to 5 a.m. What is more, the government has prohibited the sale of alcohol in shops and other premises during these 5 hours. 

Performances, concerts, and other similar events will be able to take place only if there are no more than 50 people present in the audience. 

Schools and companies

To prevent the further spread of the Omicron variant, the country will shut all primary schools from 15 December to 4 January. In other words, both vaccinated and unvaccinated pupils will have an extended Christmas holiday, during which the government asks that they take the vaccine.

At its press conference, the government further encouraged people to work from home when possible and to hold meetings/seminars virtually. In addition to this, it asked that all companies cancel major social events such as Christmas parties. Understanding that many businesses make their biggest profits during the holiday season, the country will work to provide aid packages for such companies this month. 

Changing the validity of COVID passports

Finally, the government will shorten the duration of the validity of COVID passports to seven months from mid-January 2022. Commenting on the need to do so, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke shared:

“The health authorities encourage everyone over the age of 18 to get a third shot. The COVID passport will, in future, expire 7 months after you have received the second shot but will be valid again after the third. The duration of the 7 months takes into account that the immunity decreases over time and will hopefully also increase adherence to the vaccination programme even more so that the infection is kept in check.”