Thread by @sailorrooscout

After 548 days of restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19, Denmark's high vaccination rate has enabled the country to become one of the first European Union nations to lift ALL domestic health measures. More than 85% of the eligible Danish population is fully vaccinated. 🧵

The return to normality has been gradual, but as of October 8th, the digital pass- proof of having been vaccinated- is no longer required when entering nightclubs, making it the LAST virus safeguard to fall. The Danish government NO LONGER considers COVID-19

a socially critical disease. “Denmark is lifting the restrictions because the vaccine rollout has been very successful," said Jens Lundgren, Professor of Viral Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital. “As a consequence, we have the pandemic under control in this country and can

therefore handle whatever remaining of those who still get infected within the frameworks of our hospital system." In late August, Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the epidemic was under control but warned the government would act as needed if the situation deteriorated.

Since August 14th, masks on public transportation were no longer mandatory. On September 1st, nightclubs reopened, limits on public gatherings were removed and it was no longer mandatory to show a pass when one wanted to be seated inside restaurants, or go to football games,

fitness centres or hairdressers. Masks or shields are still mandatory at airports and people are advised to wear one when at the doctor's, test centers or hospitals. With the majority of the adult population being fully vaccinated in Denmark and with the advancement of the

vaccine rollout in Europe, the Parliament of Denmark has agreed to ease entry rules and simplify the travel restrictions for those reaching the Scandinavian country as well as Danes traveling abroad. You can read more on this here: euronews.com/2021/09/10/den… and

here: schengenvisainfo.com/news/denmark-t…. Denmark has reported a total of 365,000 cases and 2,674 deaths since the pandemic began. The country has been averaging just under 600 new cases in the past week. Denmark uses Moderna and Pfizer’s

COVID-19 vaccines and 5-6 week intervals.

Against Infection (Delta)
•Pfizer: 84.6%
•Moderna: 88.9%

Against Hospitalization (Delta)
•Pfizer: 94.4%
•Moderna: 100% (note: this is due to data collection time-point)

See files.ssi.dk/covid19/gennem… and sst.dk/en/english/cor…

As of last week, Delta had been detected in more than 96% of samples in Denmark. Sequencing information can be found here: covid19genomics.dk/statistics and Denmark’s COVID-19 Dashboard can be found here: sst.dk/en/english/cor…

So, how did Denmark essentially “beat” COVID-19? For one, vaccination rates are high- over 86% of all eligible citizens 12 and older have received at least one dose, and a little over 95% of people 50 and older are fully vaccinated.

For the most part, Danes also avoided blaming and shaming their fellow citizens and had high and stable trust in their health authorities which was a crucial factor in their success. It also encouraged high vaccination rates and successful implementation of key policies.

In addition, Denmark’s parties came to a common understanding and feelings of polarization among citizens waned. The Danish opposition prioritized epidemic control over the potential electoral gains that polarization might offer. You can read more here: washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/…

Correction: All restrictions in Denmark were lifted on September 10th, including the proof for vaccination in nightclubs. The original plan was to lift that restriction this month but it ended up happening earlier. ☺️