Denmark: COVID-10-related entry restrictions, social-distancing mandates in effect as of December 4 /update 22

Denmark maintaining COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 4; significant business and travel disruptions ongoing.

Event

Authorities in Denmark are maintaining international entry restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 4. Danish authorities categorize countries as "open" or "banned" 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 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.

From Dec. 5, the only locations designated as open will be the counties of More og Romsdal, Nordland, Rogaland, and Trondelag in Norway, Finland (excluding the regions of Uusimaa, Central Finland, Kymenlaakso, Paijat Hame, Pirkanmaa, Pohjois-Karjala, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa, South Pohjanmaa, and Southwest Finland), Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Uruguay, and the Vatican City. 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.

Public and private gatherings should not exceed 10 people, either indoors or outdoors. Funerals may not exceed 50 attendees. Protective facemasks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, and domestic social-distancing mandates remain in force. Cafes, bars, and restaurants must close at 2200 nationwide except for carryout service; patrons must wear facemasks when not seated. 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.