CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: Borders still closed but a crack is open

Eleven hours of negotiation gave a few concessions for the Danish border but more for culture and schools

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By Bente D. Knudsen

The Danish borders will still not open, but more foreigners will be allowed in such as Germans and other Scandinavians who own a Danish summerhouse, also Germans and residents in other Nordic countries such as grandparents and unmarried partners, boyfriends etc may cross the border. Businesspeople are allowed in.

For your information the Nordic countries are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Ålandsøerne (part of Finland), The Faroe Islands (part of Denmark) and Greenland (part of Denmark). This will be possible from Monday 25 May.

This means that the so called – worthy reason to visit Denmark – ( anerkendelsesværdigt formål) has been extended but that in general the borders remain closed to all other foreigners.

Other items agreed upon

Immediately allowed to open are:
Cultural institutions such as museums theatres, cinemas, zoo’s, aquqriums and bothanical gardens

From the 27 May more can open such as:

High schools and other educations such as EUD, high schools and VUC (adult education) and language centres:
Danish Media DR and TV2 can open completely
Evening schools, music schools, scouts, and other leisure associations
Outdoor leisure parks (Tivoli) and summer activities for youngsters and children
Oral exams at universities and Business schools can take place as well as tutoring which requires a physical presence and cannot be done online

As there is a difference in spread of COVID-19 between the Danish regions it has been decided that public employees who have worked from home until now may return to their offices in all regions except in Region Hovedstaden and Region Sjælland.

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What remains unchanged so far:
Only up to 10 people can gather indoors and outdoors (the so called forsamlingsforbud). Before the 8 June, the Danish Government is to announce whether it can be raised to 30 or 50 which will mean a great deal to those waiting to know if they can still host a large party for instance to get married. You can read more about Phase 3 and Phase 4 in our article here.

Before the 29 May the Danish Government is to propose a plan on how to open the Danish borders – an answer much sought for by the Danish tourism industry.

You can read the full negotiated deal here (Danish only).