Coronavirus Denmark and Norway loosen restrictions, even though thousands of infections are detected every day – Such interest rate restrictions now exist in other Nordic countries

In Finland the coronavirus omicron wave has rapidly led to a situation where the government has begun preparing a stand-by law to protect the carrying capacity of healthcare.

In the other Nordic countries, the same phenomenon as in Finland was seen around Christmas and New Year: the number of infections increased sharply and hospitals were filled with coronary patients.

In Sweden, for example, the Public Health Agency estimates that there could be as many as 69,000 daily infections at the end of January. Madgalena Anderssonin the government has pushed for restrictions and extension of the interim pandemic law.

From the graphics below, you can compare the development of infection in the Nordic countries and the workload of hospital care. In Denmark and Norway, the worst infection spike already seems to be slowing down. Countries have also begun to abandon their strict restrictions before Christmas.

HS listed what kind of corona restrictions apply to restaurants and public events elsewhere in the Nordic countries.

Swedish

New ones stricter audience and restaurant restrictions entered into force in Sweden on Wednesday.

There is no limit to the number of guests in the restaurants and bars, but there must be seating for all guests. A maximum of eight people can sit in the same group. Closing time is 11 p.m.

Seating must be available for participants in indoor public events of more than 20 people. At trade fairs and exhibitions of more than 50 participants, a vaccination certificate is required, and there must be 10 square meters of space per person.

Sweden had the highest number of new corona infections ever on Thursday, with more than 25,000 cases. According to the Swedish Public Health Agency, the number of infections will increase for another couple of weeks and the peak is likely to be reached by the end of the month.

Norway

Norway announced on Thursday easing their tight interest rate restrictions, which tightened in mid-December. In Norway, for example, the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants and indoor cultural and sporting events were banned.

The sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants is again allowed, but drinking must stop at 11 pm Public indoor events for up to 200 participants are allowed if everyone has their own seat.

The number of coronary patients in hospitals increased sharply in Norway at the end of the year. Now, the situation in hospitals has been easing for several weeks, although the proportion of positive corona tests is still high.

Denmark

Also Denmark has announced that it will abandon its strictest restrictions. Cinemas, museums and theaters that have been closed since mid-December are allowed to reopen.

Sports and cultural events may again be held with public restrictions. A majority of the Danish parliament voted on Thursday that the maximum number of participants in the events indoors would be 1,500.

However, nightclubs, arcades and spas, among others, remain closed.

The situation of hospitals in Denmark has calmed down, although infections are still detected up to 20,000 per day.

Iceland

Iceland tightened in late December restrictions, which are still valid until January.

The on-site restaurants and nightclubs are open until 9 pm and the closing time is one hour later. Swimming pools, spas and gyms are allowed to take in half of their normal number of guests. Events of up to 200 participants can be organized if they have the opportunity for quick testing.

On Friday, the Icelandic government decided on new restrictions, which will take effect on February 2. He tells about it Icelandic Broadcasting Corporation RÚV. According to the new guidelines, restaurants can only take 20 customers at a time. Nightclubs, bars and arcades will be completely closed.

According to RÚV, the University Hospital in Iceland is severely overstaffed due to staff shortages and only 45% of operating theaters can be kept open.