Denmark has lifted all of its domestic Covid-19 restrictions, including the wearing of face masks, making it the first European Union country to do so.
Despite record high numbers of new infections, a group of young people strolls through the Apenrade city cente. Photo: AFP
Nightclubs have reopened, late-night alcohol sales have resumed, and the Danish coronavirus app is no longer needed to enter venues.
While cases are still relatively high, the authorities say the virus no longer qualifies as a "critical threat".
That is due to the country's high vaccination rate, experts say.
More than 80 percent of the population over the age of five have had two vaccinations and over 60 percent have been given a third booster dose.
"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.
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 organisers can still choose to make it a condition of entry.
Some rare restrictions will remain in place - for example, for unvaccinated travellers attempting to cross the border from outside Denmark's free travel zone, or the use of face masks in hospitals and care homes.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed the move, writing "good morning to a completely open Denmark" on Facebook and thanking the population for getting vaccinated.
The easing of restrictions in Denmark follows similar decisions in England and other UK nations in January. Other EU member countries - such as Ireland, France, and the Netherlands - have also begun to remove their restrictions.
- BBC