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Denmark has lifted all Covid-19 curbs on the country, after 548 days of restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, AP News reported.

According to the Danish government, more than 80 per cent of the country's population above the age of 12 have been vaccinated, receiving two shots of the vaccine.

This resulted in the government declaring on the midnight of Sep. 10 that Covid-19 was no longer a "socially critical disease", with the last Covid-19 safeguard — showing digital proof of vaccination at nightclub entrances — being removed.

Authorities have also declared the virus is under control, given that the country sees a daily number of cases at around 500 and a reproduction rate of 0.7, AFP reported.

Restrictions have been gradually removed

AP News further reported that the restrictions for Denmark were gradually lifted once a majority of the population above the age of 50 had received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In May, the Danish government introduced an app with a QR code to verify people who have taken two doses of vaccine or have been tested negative for Covid-19. Unlike some European countries which see resistance to such passes, the Danish people trust the authorities and were receptive to use the app, AP News reported.

On Aug. 14, mask-wearing on public transport was made non-compulsory.

This was followed by a reopening of nightclubs, removal of limits for public gatherings, and a removal of the requirement to show vaccination proof for seating inside restaurants or entering football games, gyms or the hairdresser.

However, it is still mandatory to wear either a mask or face shield at the airport.

People are also advised to mask up when visiting the doctor or a hospital, and social distancing is still recommended.

Travellers entering Denmark are also required to present either a vaccine passport, or a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, AFP further reported.

Government remains willing to re-impose restrictions if situation changes

The Health Minister, Magnus Heunicke, added that the government will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions if necessary.

Aljazeera quoted him as saying, "Daily life is basically back to normal, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any danger down the road. The virus has mutated several times, so I can’t make any guarantees. But with this many people vaccinated, we are well set."

Denmark has since made third doses of the Covid-19 vaccine available to groups that are considered at risk.

The government will also continue to sequence the virus and monitor hospitalisations, which so far stands at just below 130, according to AFP.

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Top photo via Embassy of Denmark to Belgium Facebook