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Denmark decided to lift, as of February 1, most of the restrictions against COVID-19. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen explained that although the number of cases remains high, hospitalizations have not increased and she considers that the critical phase of the pandemic “has passed.” More than 81% of citizens are fully vaccinated, according to data from Our World in Data.
“We are ready to step out of the shadow of the coronavirus, we say goodbye to restrictions and welcome the life we had before. The pandemic continues, but we have passed the critical stage.” So said Frederiksen last Thursday during a press conference.
“Tonight we can … find the smile again. We have incredibly good news, we can now remove the last coronavirus restrictions in Denmark,” Frederiksen said.
Normality returns in Denmark
After the news broke, Bloomberg conducted a poll asking its followers if they would agree with a similar decision in the countries where they live. With 4,000 votes; 58% of those who participated said they were in favor of ending the restrictions.
The decision was also applauded by various personalities. For example, entrepreneur Elon Musk posted the information on his Twitter account. Swedish journalist and political commentator Peter Imanuelsen expressed his support for the end of the restrictions and the return to normality.
“Freedom is in the air,” he commented.
Not only Denmark
Denmark’s measures were repeated in other European countries, including the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson also announced last Thursday the end of the restrictions. With the decision, masks will be worn only by those who choose to do so.
“The success of our booster rollout, the tireless work of the NHS and the amazing public response means Plan B measures have ended in England today,” Johnson wrote to make the announcement.
According to Bloomberg, Sweden expects to declare soon, like Denmark and the United Kingdom, the end of the coronavirus restrictions. “Swedish authorities are extending their restrictions due to a surge in infections but expect to be able to remove most curbs in two weeks,” the media outlet reported.
