Can we safely say we are past the Covid era? Its seems like the new Covid 19 trend is “no regulations”. Although cases are still relatively high, Denmark has decided to “wing” the fight against covid 19 following the footsteps of South Africa.
Authorities in Denmark have declared that the Covid 19 virus no longer qualifies as a critical threat, and have decide to ditch all domestic regulations. This makes Denmark the first European Country to do so.
Why take the risk?
Much like South Africa, experts have mentioned the country’s high vaccination rates as one of the reasons ditching regulations. More than 80% of the population over the age of 5 had two vaccinations and over 60% have been given a third booster shot.
“With Omicron not being a severe disease for the vaccinated, we believe it is reasonable to lift restrictions,” epidemiologist Lone Simonsen of the University of Roskilde told the AFP news agency.
How completely is completely?
Unlike South Africa that has effected Level 1 lite (regulations are very minimal), Denmark has scratched the regulations all together. From Tuesday, masks are no longer required in shops, restaurants, and on public transport. Limits on the number of people allowed at indoor gatherings and social distancing measures also come to an end.
The national Covid pass app is no longer required – although individual event organizers can still choose to make it a condition of entry. Nightclubs have reopened, late-night alcohol sales have resumed, and the Danish coronavirus app is no longer needed to enter venues. If Denmark was a person and regulations were clothes, they would be roaming the streets naked.
What does this mean for Zimbabwe?
There has been a trend in past months were announcements have been made following suit of our neighbor South Africa. With Denmark scratching it domestic regulations, Zimbabwe is bound to follow the lead. Schools are set to open soon and we can surely anticipate the decisions taken by South African and Danish leaders will affect our own.