Denmark: Tightened COVID-19 measures to remain in effect until at least Feb. 28 /update 29

Denmark extends strict COVID-19 measures until Feb. 28 despite falling infection rates. Business and travel disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities in Denmark have extended measures imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Feb. 28 in order to maintain falling infection rates. Existing domestic restrictions will remain in force, including the following:

Public gatherings are limited to five people; authorities strongly advise against all private gatherings of more than five people.
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.

International entry restrictions have also been extended until at least Feb. 28. Authorities have classified all countries worldwide at the "red" alert level; all international travelers arriving by air must present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. The test must have been taken no more than 24 hours before boarding their flights; children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. While Danish nationals and residents are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival, all passengers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 24 hours earlier before they are permitted to board flights to Denmark. Passengers who have previously been infected with COVID-19, and therefore cannot achieve a negative result in a COVID-19 test, must present proof of a positive COVID-19 test result that is more than 14 days old. Additionally, nonresident foreign nationals must have a justifiable purpose for their travel, such as work, study, or family reasons. Flights from Greenland and the Faroe Islands are exempt from these requirements. Furthermore, authorities continue to recommend against all travel abroad.

Tighter entry restrictions imposed on travelers from South Africa and the UK due to concerns over variant strains of COVID-19 discovered in these two countries ostensibly remain in effect until Feb. 7; however, these specific restrictions are now mandated in the wider international flight restrictions detailed above. Additionally, Danish nationals arriving from the UK or South Africa are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Denmark.

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.