This archive report was first published on 4 May 2021.
On May 4, 2021, Denmark announced a significant shift in its Covid-19 strategy, allowing the country to gradually reopen society. The decision was made after the government deemed the spread of the virus under control.
As part of the new plan, cinemas and theatres, which were already set to reopen on May 6, have been joined by gyms and fitness centres. Bars, cafes, and restaurants, which have already reopened, will no longer require reservations, but patrons must present a 'corona pass' certificate confirming they have either tested negative in the past 72 hours, been vaccinated, or recently recovered from Covid-19.
Students at lower secondary schools will also return to their classrooms, joining primary and upper secondary students who have already resumed in-class learning. The government has also announced plans to allow outdoor events to welcome 2,000 people as of May 21, with university students returning to classrooms part-time and the limit for private gatherings raised to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors.
For the European Championships in football in June and July, the government will allow 16,000 fans to attend each match in Copenhagen. However, the Roskilde music festival, which normally draws crowds of over 130,000, was only allowed to welcome 2,000 spectators and subsequently cancelled the event for the second year in a row.
Targeted Closures ¶
As of August 1, 5,000 people will be allowed at outdoor events. The exit plan may be subjected to local changes, such as targeted closures if the virus were to begin spreading more rapidly again.
Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup stated, 'While the epidemiological situation in Denmark is stable, we note that many other countries are in the midst of a third wave and new closures, which we strongly hope to avoid.'
