Denmark and Finland Partially Ease COVID-19 Lockdown Measures

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] Denmark and Finland have decided to ease some of the lockdown measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including reopening restaurants.

According to major foreign media on the 17th, the Danish government announced that, as COVID-19 cases have decreased, indoor dining at restaurants and cafes as well as attendance at football matches will be allowed starting from the 21st.

Shopping malls, museums, libraries, and indoor sports for those under 18 will also be permitted, and the range of students attending school in person will be expanded. The allowed number of people for outdoor public gatherings will increase from the previous 10 to 50. However, most of these measures are conditional on the use of the recently introduced Danish "Corona Passport."

The Corona Passport is a certificate showing that the holder has either been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, tested negative within 72 hours through a diagnostic test, or has immunity by having tested positive 2 to 12 weeks prior.

The Finnish government also plans to resume operations of all restaurants starting next week. However, some restrictions will apply regarding operating hours, alcohol sales, and the number of customers allowed. In some areas with rapid COVID-19 spread, including the capital Helsinki, restaurants must only accept half of their capacity, alcohol sales are permitted only until 5 p.m., and restaurants must close by 7 p.m.

Finland had one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in Europe but entered lockdown measures in March due to a sharp increase in daily new cases.