Starting Friday, nightlife will close at midnight and concert venues with more than 50 standing seats will be closed, the Danish government announced.
In addition, a requirement for face masks is being introduced in restaurants and school children are allowed to go on early Christmas break.
During a press conference on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (S) emphasized that several restrictions were being introduced to stop the spread of the infection, but that it was not a shutdown of society as previously during the pandemic.
”"It was the right decision at the time. It was necessary. But it entailed great costs. Even if the Danish economy is booming, a lockdown costs businesses and cultural life. Therefore, we will do what we can to avoid a comprehensive lockdown," says Mette Frederiksen.
Even before the press conference, two of her cabinet ministers announced that alcohol sales would be banned after midnight and that concerts with more than 50 standing guests would be stopped.
”"Nightlife and discos are closing. The same applies to venues that hold concerts with over 50 people in a standing audience. A requirement to wear a face mask is introduced when you are at an indoor catering establishment. At night, the sale of alcohol is prohibited," summarizes Mette Frederiksen.
The government also called for the cancellation of traditional Christmas lunches. In Denmark, for example, it is common for companies to treat their employees to Christmas lunches, which can be compared to the Swedish Christmas tables.
In addition, schoolchildren will be sent home for Christmas break as early as next Wednesday, December 15. They will be back in school on January 5.
”"We know how much schooling means to the well-being of children and young people. That's why we are adding a few days at both ends of the Christmas holidays, but we are not planning a long-term closure," says Mette Frederiksen.
It has previously been a requirement to wear a face mask on public transport and in stores, as well as a requirement to present a Covid passport at certain events.
More than 6,300 people were confirmed infected on Tuesday, the highest number in a single day in Denmark during the entire pandemic. The figure was higher on Monday, but it included cases reported throughout the weekend, according to the Danish Institute for Disease Control SSI.
577 cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Denmark as of Tuesday. This is considered community spread of the virus variant, according to the country's public health authority.
Source: TT
