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Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark to stop designating COVID as a ‘socially critical disease’

Denmark to stop designating COVID as a ‘socially critical disease’

The Nordic country will drop all restrictions on 10 September

On 27 August, the Danish Ministry of Health announced that the current categorisation of COVID as a “socially critical disease” will end on 10 September 2021. The government made this decision alongside health authorities and professionals from the Epidemic Commission. According to the Ministry of Health, it comes as a result of the country’s successful vaccine rollout and strong epidemic control.

No legal basis to maintain restrictions

Until now, the categorisation has made it possible to introduce restrictions and measures such as assembly bans, national Coronapas, and face mask requirements. After 10 September, the provisions of the Epidemic Act will reportedly no longer be valid.

In June, the Danish government presented its plan to gradually phase out all COVID restrictions by September. At the time, the only exception to this was said to be nightlife events and venues with a capacity of 2,000 spectators. In these cases, Coronapas would be required until October.

Now, the government’s decision means that this restriction will also be lifted since the removal of COVID’s categorisation as a socially critical disease means that there is no longer a legal basis to maintain the measures. In other words, the country is ahead of its original plans.

Minister of Health Magnus Heunicke commented on this good news, noting: “The epidemic is under control, we have record high vaccination rates. Therefore, on 10 September, we can drop some of the special rules we have had to introduce in the fight against COVID-19. The government has promised not to hold on to the measures any longer than it was necessary, and here we are now.”

Despite this, Heunicke clarified that the epidemic is still very much present. That is, the government will not hesitate to introduce new rules if COVID begins to spread and pose a threat to society once again.

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