Denmark: Government closes borders to most non-residents March 14 /update 4

Event

On Friday, March 13, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced that Denmark would close its borders to all tourists and foreigners who "cannot demonstrate a credible reason to enter," from 12:00 (local time) on Saturday, March 14, through Monday, April 13, to prevent further spread of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Danish citizens and foreign nationals working in Denmark will remain free to enter and leave the country and the transport of goods will not be affected.

On Wednesday, March 11, Prime Minister Frederiksen announced the closure of all schools and universities from March 13, and all day care facilities for two weeks from Monday, March 16. The government has also further restricted gatherings by banning all indoor events with more than 100 participants. In addition, public servants in non-critical functions will be sent home on paid leave.

To date, there have been more than 800 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Denmark. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.  
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.