Danish authorities reported the following Wednesday (computer translated):
The infection with COVID-19 is increasing throughout the country. On the recommendation of the Task Force, including the health authorities, the government will introduce further national measures towards and over Christmas and New Year to reduce activity in society and reduce infection with COVID-19. Together with the existing initiatives, there is a total closure over Christmas and New Year.
In the past week, there has been a significant increase in both cases of infection and positive percentages. In a new risk assessment, the risk level in the whole country is raised to 4 out of 5. Against this background, the Action Group, including the health authorities, has recommended further measures.
Ahead of and over Christmas and New Year, therefore, a number of new measures will be introduced – in addition to the already existing national measures and intensified measures – with a view to breaking the chains of infection and maintaining control of the epidemic.
Before Christmas, a number of new restrictions will be introduced for the retail and service industries. Shopping malls, department stores, arcades and bazaars will be closed from 17 December 2020 until and including 3 January 2021. Specialty stores, such as DIY stores, housing stores, etc., which are 5000 m2 or more, will also close from 17 December 2020 until and with January 3, 2021.
In addition, liberal service professions where the necessary infection-preventing distance cannot be secured, including hairdressers, masseurs, tattooists, driving schools, etc., will close from Monday 21 December 2020 to 3 January 2021.
After Christmas, a further shutdown will be launched. From 25 December 2020, all department stores, including stores under 5000 m2, will close.
However, grocery stores / supermarkets, pharmacies and stores with medical equipment will continue to be open throughout the period.
Stores can continue to deliver packages that are pre-ordered and prepaid by e-commerce, including fireworks.
In addition, students in 0.-4. classes that have not already gone on Christmas vacation, including SFO and club offers, will be sent home from 21 December to 3 January 2021, just as students at e.g. continuation schools, boarding schools and folk high schools are sent home. However, there will be the possibility of emergency care.
Other national initiatives continue to apply up to and including 28 February 2021, including recommendations on limiting social contact, assembly bans and demands and calls for the use of bandages and visors, etc. In addition, a number of intensified measures continue to apply until and including 3 January 2021.
