The ban, a so-called opholdsforbud, will be introduced as part of a measure to prevent the spread of the new, more infectious form of Covid-19, Copenhagen Police said in a statement.

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It will be in effect in the ‘Pusher Street’ and ‘Green Light District’ of Christiania, an alternative enclave in the Danish capital. In more normal times, the area is known for features including the market stands on Pusher Street, from where cannabis is sometimes illicitly traded and clamped down on by police.

The new ban, which comes into effect at noon on January 7th, will mean that presence in the affected areas will be banned from 10am to midnight until January 13th. It may be extended beyond that date, police said.

“Specifically, we have for several days seen many groups of people in the area at the same time. That has meant too many people have been in one place without it being planned in advance,” the statement said.

“Copenhagen Police as therefore assessed that less invasive measures are not sufficient in the current situation,” it added.

The ban means that passing through the area – for example when cycling or walking a dog – is permitted during the times the ban is effective, but it is not permitted to remain there.

Disobeying the ban could result in a fine of 2,500 kroner.

Denmark currently has a maximum assembly limit of five persons in place nationally.

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