Denmark Fully Returns to Normal Life by August

While Covid-liberal Croatia timidly considers broader easing of the remaining measures in place, Denmark, which has been quite Covid-rigid until now, intends to be the flagship of Europe’s return to the longed-for 'old normal'. As reported by the Financial Times, this wealthy northern state will practically fully open on Friday and gradually abolish 'Covid passports' within the country, as well as the wearing of masks by August, thus becoming the first EU member to nearly fully return to normal life. According to the plan, the only thing currently on hold are nightclubs that will not be opening, but everything else should be as it was in the old days before the pandemic. According to the country's Minister of Health Magnus Heunicke, Denmark is in a very favorable position regarding the pandemic despite the recent rise in infections, FT reports. The country is slightly above the European average in vaccination rates (by the end of August, all adult citizens will have the opportunity to be vaccinated), and the most vulnerable population is protected by vaccines, so new infections are significantly less likely to translate into hospitalizations and deaths.

More specifically, the Covid passport required for access to many facilities such as libraries and sports clubs will be abolished next month for everyone except for travel outside the country, while the obligation to wear masks will be eliminated no later than August. Denmark, of course, is not the only member rushing towards normalization; some, such as Greece, Switzerland, and Croatia, have already made significant progress in easing the pressure on daily life, but this plan is currently one of the most ambitious in terms of the scope of returning to the old ways. Starting Friday, 20 percent of workers, mainly in the public sector, will be able to go to work, as will students attending lectures, while all others will gain that right at the beginning of August. Additionally, the Covid passport will now include individuals vaccinated with the first dose at least two weeks prior, not just those fully vaccinated or with a negative test in the past 72 hours.

{embed_digitalno_izdanje}{/embed_digitalno_izdanje}