COPENHAGEN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The promised "gradual and controlled" reopening of Denmark will begin on April 15, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Monday.
"Today we will introduce the first cautious phase of a reopening of Denmark. That requires that the numbers are stable, our behavior is responsible," the prime minister said during a press conference.
Daycares, kindergartens and elementary school will be opening from April 15 "if we keep the figures stable," announced Frederiksen.
The most urgent of the hospital treatments that have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic will be slowly started up again, according to Frederiksen.
People will remain working at home as cinemas, hairdressers and major shopping centers stay closed and gatherings of more than ten people in one place remain forbidden until May 10.
Large assemblies such as festivals are now officially prohibited until August, added the prime minister.
In addition, there will be no easing on travel restrictions as the prime minister announced that borders will remain closed.
Frederiksen confirmed that the government decision was based on the judgment of the health authorities and that the gradual reopening of society was based on citizens being vigilant and maintaining social distance.
"If we see during Easter that things are going badly... We will not be reopening anything after the holiday," she added.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Denmark has reached 4,681, while the death toll increased to 187, according to the Statens Serum Institut (SSI).
