Denmark goes into next phase of lifting of travel restrictions 

At midnight on Thursday, Denmark lifted a swathe of restrictions on travel into Denmark, as it went into Phase Three of the reopening plan set earlier this spring. 

Starting on Friday:

Foreigners resident in EU and Schengen countries rated ‘orange’, will no longer need a “worthy purpose” to enter Denmark, opening the way for tourists from across the region, although those coming will still need to get tested on arrival and go into self-isolation for at least four days until they test negative for coronavirus. Those who are fully vaccinated are excused this requirement. 

The incidence limit for opening or closing yellow and orange countries and regions in the EU and Schengen countries has been raised from 20/30 to 50/60 cases per 100,000 people over the preceding seven days. Residents of countries with lower infection rates than this will not need to go into self-isolation on arrival in Denmark. The list of countries that qualify will be announced on Friday afternoon. 

Those travelling from orange or yellow countries in the EU no longer need to get tested before boarding their plane.

Danes living abroad outside the EU who are fully vaccinated are exempted from testing and self-isolation requirements 

Tourists coming from the border regions like Schleswig-Holstein and Skåne can go to a holiday home in Denmark without having to go into isolation.

For the full list of changes, see the announcement from the foreign affairs ministry. 

Denmark registers over 1,000 new coronavirus cases for another day

Denmark registered a further 1,355 new coronavirus cases on Thursday afternoon, with the number of cases above 1,000 for the second day in a row.  This is the highest since mid-January, when significantly fewer tests were carried out. The proportion of tests that are positive is also increasing. 

On Thursday morning, 154 infected people were being treated for coronavirus in hospital, four fewer than a day earlier. No new deaths have been registered. 

One more provider drops out of voluntary vaccine scheme

The testing company Carelink, which had planned to take part in vaccinating those who have voluntarily opted to take the AstraZeneca vaccine has said it cannot see itself taking part in the scheme for “medical reasons”, after the draft guidelines lacked advise on the risk profile, or on what doctors should inform patients about. 

“The only guidelines are that you must inform the citizens that there is another offer and that the National Board of Health does not recommend this free choice scheme,” the company’s chief executive Brian Rosenberg told Ritzau. “On the given terms, we can not see ourselves being a part of it.”

Several other private vaccination providers, including Danske Lægers Vaccinations Service and MedFlex have also said they do not want to be involved. 

Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary celebrate 17th anniversay

Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary on Friday celebrate their 17th wedding anniversary. The two were married on May 14th 2004 in Copenhagen Cathedral. The two met when Frederik attended the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia, and met Mary Elizabeth Donaldson at a restaurant. .