People in Denmark are no longer obliged to wear a face mask as a starting point to live a normal life, believing to be a weaker variant of COVID-19 Omicron.
Denmark is the first country in the European Union to remove all domestic COVID-19 restrictions. However, according to the Agence France Presse report, there are restrictions on unvaccinated travelers coming from non-Schengen countries.
Denmark first allegedly tried to lift the restrictions last September and November.
“For me, the best part is that we don’t need to wear masks anymore,” said Natalia Chechetkina, receptionist in Copenhagen. “At least now we have a choice – if we want to protect ourselves or we want to feel free.”
“It’s nice to be able to see people’s faces, and it feels like we’re living normally again,” said Marie Touflet, a 23-year-old French student.
Denmark eased even though they had a record of 40,000-50,000 new COVID-19 cases a day or almost one percent of the 5.8 million population.
Health officials believe that the number of infections will decrease.
“There are strong indications that the infection has peaked in the areas where it has been most pronounced,” Tyra Krause, public health and research institution SSI told news agency Ritzau.
Denmark lifts COVID-19 restrictions
“So it’s super good timing for the restrictions to be eased,” he added.
More than 60 percent of the population has already received the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, higher than the EU average of no more than 45 percent.
Health officials estimate that 80 percent of their population is already protected against the severe effects of the virus.
“With Omicron not being a severe disease for the vaccinated, we believe it is reasonable to lift restrictions,” said epidemiologist Lone Simonsen of the University of Roskilde.
By removing restrictions, they encourage their citizens to be responsible.
“Without a COVID pass, there will be a shift of responsibility,” Simonsen said.
Those who experience symptoms of the disease are encouraged to stay at home. However, if positive for the virus, they were advised to isolate for four days.
Contact cases do not need to be quarantined.
You must wear face masks and use a COVID pass when going to the hospital.
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