Measures tightened to curb the rapid spread of infection

COVID-19: Domestic restrictions tightened to curb the rapid spread of infections

General gathering limits will be 20 people and the social distancing rule will be 2 metres instead of 1, with certain exceptions. Restaurants, bars and other premises with a licence to serve alcohol must close at 9 p.m. Swimming pools, gyms and ski areas will be permitted to accommodate 50% of their maximum capacity. Rapid testing events will be limited to 200 people. Remote working will be encouraged in workplaces where possible. This is the main content of the tightened domestic restrictions, decided by the Minister of Health in accordance with the recommendations of the Director of Public Health to curb the rapid spread of Covid infections. The regulation will come into effect on Thursday, 23 December, and will remain in force for three weeks.

The number of Covid-19 infections has increased rapidly in the country in recent days, now averaging over 200 per day. As of 18 December, around 150 people had been diagnosed with the Omicron variant, which is at least 50% more transmissible than the Delta variant. It is now spreading rapidly among neighbouring nations. In Denmark, it now accounts for around 30% of all infections, with between 8,000 and 11,000 new cases detected daily. Hospital admissions in Denmark have increased in parallel and are on course to set a new record, according to a memo from the Chief Medical Officer. It can be expected that Omicron will become dominant in the epidemic here in the coming weeks, as in other countries. Although there are indications that Omicron causes milder illness than Delta, it is likely that due to its rapid spread, a large number of patients will need to be hospitalised, although severe illness is less common than with other variants. Furthermore, the Chief Medical Officer points out that according to research, two vaccinations offer little to no protection against Omicron, protection increases significantly with a booster jab, but it is unclear how good that protection is and how long it lasts.

Main points of the new infection control regulations:

• General gathering restrictions of 20 people, with no exceptions for children.
• 2-metre social distancing rule. Children born in 2016 and later are exempt. In restaurants and for guests at seated events, the close contact rule is 1 metre between seated guests.
• Face mask requirement: It is generally required to wear a face covering if social distancing cannot be maintained, and it is mandatory in shops and shopping centres. Children born in 2006 or later are exempt from the requirement.
• Speed test events: With the use of rapid tests, organised events for up to 200 people are permitted in a quarantine bubble.
• Seated events without speed tests: Maximum of 50 people. Examples include performing arts events, film screenings, sporting events and seated ceremonies of religious and belief-based organisations.
• Shops and museums can accommodate 50 people per compartment, including children. For every 10 m², a maximum of five additional customers may be admitted, up to a total of 500 people. Wearing a face covering is mandatory in shops and shopping centres.
• Opening hours of restaurants etc.: Restaurants and other premises where the service of alcohol is permitted are not allowed to admit new customers after 9 p.m., and all guests must have left by 10 p.m. at the latest. The same applies to private parties at premises with a licence to serve alcohol. The rule for seating guests in restaurants is a distance of 1 metre.
• Swimming pools, fitness centres and ski resorts: It is permitted to accept a maximum of 50% guests. Children born in 2016 and later are not included.

Schooling

• At all school levels, the maximum number of children/pupils per room is 50.
• The maximum number of staff in the same room is 20 people, and staff are permitted to move between rooms.
• Proximity limit: The general rule is a 2-metre distance, but if it is not possible to maintain this, wearing a face covering is mandatory. Children in nurseries are exempt from the distancing rule.
• Face mask requirement: Masks are generally required if social distancing cannot be maintained. Children born in 2006 or later are exempt from the mask requirement.

Performing Arts and Choral Work

• Exercises and demonstrations with contact are permitted for up to 50 staff members on stage. Masks must be worn as much as possible, except when a performance is taking place, and efforts must be made to adhere to the 2-metre rule.
• Number of visitors: It is permitted to host up to 50 seated guests in each section, who must all wear a face covering and be in numbered seats. In addition to 50 adults, 100 children without rapid testing may be in the same room. Up to 200 guests can be accommodated if the rules for rapid testing events are followed. A 1-metre rule must be observed between seated guests.
• Interval: Intervals may be taken during performances, but the audience should be encouraged to remain seated.
• Licensed premises are not permitted in connection with performances, whether before, during the interval, or after.
• Sports training and competitions for children and adults are permitted, with or without contact, for up to 50 people.

Remote working

• Remote working is encouraged in the workplace wherever possible.