Denmark: Authorities extend restrictions on gatherings to December 13 /update 19

Event

Danish authorities have extended the ban on public gatherings of more than ten people, as well as the limit on funeral services of more than 50 people until at least December 13, amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Face masks remain mandatory inside enclosed public spaces and on public transportation for those over 12 years old.

Local lockdowns are still in effect in seven municipalities in the North Jutland region until December 3 following the discovery of a mutation of COVID-19 in mink farms in the region. Bars and restaurants must close, and public transportation and indoor sports will cease. Further information on the lockdowns and the municipalities affected can be found here (Danish).

Social-distancing measures also remain in place and bars and restaurants are required to close at 22:00 (local time) nationwide. Additionally, working from home where possible is advised. Alcohol sales are also prohibited from 22:00.

As of Sunday, November 22, Denmark has recorded 70,152 confirmed coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 781 associated deaths. Further international spread of the disease is expected in the near term.

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 (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.