The infection throughout the country is now at level 4 in the risk assessment.
This means, among other things, that there is widespread societal infection and incipient pressure on capacity in the hospitals. So far, only three regions have been at that level.
That is why the government is now introducing new nationwide restrictions that will apply for the rest of the year, says Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at a press conference.
We stand here with a vaccine within reach, a light in the dark. But it is, after all, our own actions, our own choices that determine it. We can be smaller together without being alone, she says.
The restrictions that will be introduced are:
December 17: All the country’s department stores must close on Thursday.
December 21: All school students who have not already been sent home will have to be taught digitally. And liberal professions, such as hairdressers, must close.
December 25: All stores except pharmacies and supermarkets must close.
All restrictions apply until January 3rd. This applies to the new ones as well as those that have already been introduced.
– From Christmas Day until January 3, Denmark will actually be closed down, says Mette Frederiksen.
Partial shutdown throughout the country
A partial shutdown of the entire country took effect Wednesday afternoon.
This means, among other things, that all school students from 5th grade and up have already been sent home and must be taught digitally, and that restaurants, theaters, venues, museums, cinemas and libraries must remain closed, but can serve takeaway.
Public employers have been urged to repatriate all non-critical staff, and private employers are also urged “strongly” to repatriate staff if possible.
3692 new infected in the last 24 hours
The announcement of the new restrictions comes on the same day as the number of infected in one day has reached 3692 infected in the last 24 hours.
This corresponds to a positive percentage of 3.26. A number that shows how large a proportion of samples are positive.
The prime minister expects January and February to be the toughest months of the pandemic. Therefore, she sends a prayer to all Danes to seize the opportunity that now exists to get control of the infection.
– It may be the best we get, she says.
No big New Year’s parties
The Prime Minister also comments on the Danes’ Christmas plans.
Because even though it is still the Danish Health and Medicines Authority’s recommendation that Danes do not celebrate Christmas with more than 10 people, it is not an invitation to gather so many. On the contrary, says Mette Frederiksen.
And now that a large number of businesses are closing down in the hope of breaking the curve, the Prime Minister does not believe that the Danes can defend crowding together to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
What this actually means, and whether there will be real restrictions for the last day of the year, we have to wait a little longer. But there will be new reports from the health authorities.
– It tends to be a happy event, but we are afraid that we will put everything out of order if we hold New Year’s parties, as we usually do, says Mette Frederiksen.
– It will not be a big party you can hold. But we will announce something more concrete very soon, adds Minister of Health Magnus Heunicke (S).
Source: nyheder.tv2.dk
