Denmark: Authorities to tighten domestic coronavirus disease-related restrictions from Jan. 6 /update 26

Health officials in Denmark to tighten coronavirus disease-related domestic restrictions from Jan. 6. Disruptions remain.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Denmark are tightening domestic restrictions beginning Jan. 6. Public gatherings will be limited to five people, a decrease from the previously allotted 10 people. In addition, authorities strongly advise against all private gatherings of more than five people.

International travel restrictions on most foreign nationals remain in effect. Authorities categorize countries as "open," "quarantine," or "high-risk" based on infection rates and other health indicators in those countries. Travelers from open countries are permitted entry to Denmark for any reason and are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result. Travelers from quarantine countries or regions may travel into Denmark if they have a recognizable purpose for the trip. Travelers from banned countries and regions are only permitted entry for specifically defined purposes, such as work, study, or family reasons, and must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

As of Jan. 5, the only locations designated as open are the counties of Agder, Vestland, Troms og Finnmark, More og Romsdal, Nordland, Rogaland, and Trondelag in Norway, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand. Residents of the border regions, including Norway, Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, and Scania, Halland, and Blekinge in Sweden, do not need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test to be permitted entry, provided they have a specifically defined purpose for travel.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK as of Jan. 5 as part of Denmark's response to a new strain of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England, including London. Authorities have barred travelers from the UK who are not Danish citizens or permanent residents from entering Denmark until Jan. 17, except for urgent family purposes.

Existing nationwide restrictions have been extended until at least the end of February, including the following:

Funerals may not exceed 50 attendees.
Protective facemasks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, and domestic social-distancing mandates remain in force.
Bars, clubs, cafes, restaurants, libraries, museums, theatres and concert venues, as well as gyms and fitness centers are closed.
Alcohol sales must cease at 2200 daily.
Individuals are encouraged to work from home where possible. Industry-specific operating requirements are also still in place for certain sectors.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.