Denmark: Tightened coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures to remain in effect until at least Feb. 7 /update 28

Denmark extends strict COVID-19 measures until Feb. 7 amid high transmission rates nationwide. Business and travel disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities in Denmark have extended measures imposed to stem the spread of cornavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Feb. 7 amid high transmission rates nationwide. 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. 7. Danish authorities require all international travelers arriving by air to present a negative COVID-19 test result. The test must have been taken no more than 24 hours before boarding their flights; children under 12 are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, all passengers 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 the requirement. Furthermore, authorities continue to recommend against all travel abroad.

Tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for nonresident foreign nationals traveling from the UK and South Africa due to concerns over variant strains of COVID-19 discovered in these two countries. Travelers arriving from the UK or South Africa must have a special worthy purpose for visiting Denmark. Additionally, travelers must provide proof at the Danish border of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 24 hours before entry. Danish nationals arriving from the UK or South Africa are strongly encouraged to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Denmark. Special worthy purposes for visit include providing primary care to dependents and other family responsibilities, and transporting essential freight.

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.