Thursday. 28.03.2024

A "worrying" rise in coronavirus cases has forced the Danish government to reduce the number of people allowed to attend public gatherings in the capital of Copenhagen and 16 surrounding municipalities.

Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said on Monday the rise in cases was "worrying" and Denmark was "heading in the wrong direction."

The Scandinavian country on Monday recorded 230 new cases during the past 24-hour period, the first time since the end of April that over 200 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period.

In addition to the capital region, the city of Odense would also see restrictions where the number of people allowed to attend a public gathering would be lowered from the current number of 100 to 50.

Bars and restaurants were to close at midnight, instead of at 2 am.

The measures were to be in place until September 22, Heunicke told a press conference.

Gradually reopened

Denmark has gradually reopened society after shutting its borders and closing down many institutions in March.

Schools, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and retail stores have reopened.

The Scandinavian country recorded 628 Covid-19-related deaths and about 18,100 confirmed virus cases as of Monday.

Denmark sees 'worrying' rise in virus cases in greater Copenhagen