Denmark expects winter with out COVID restrictions – well being minister

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is ready for Plejecenter Faelledgaarden nursing residence residents to get their second shot in Copenhagen, Denmark January 23, 2021. Ritzau Scanpix/Nils Meilvang by way of REUTERS/Information

COPENHAGEN, Sept 2 (Reuters) – Denmark is getting ready to undergo the approaching winter with none coronavirus restrictions even with an anticipated rise in infections, Well being Minister Magnus Heunicke mentioned on Friday.

The Nordic nation expects to have the ability to keep away from lockdown measures as a result of new improved booster vaccines, higher immunity within the inhabitants and with the ability to higher monitor the unfold of the virus by measures corresponding to waste-water testing.

“We’re nicely ready. The technique and purpose is a very open society this coming winter,” Heunicke advised a press briefing.

Denmark will obtain 4.5 million doses in September of the COVID-19 booster vaccine up to date to focus on the Omicron variant, with the primary deliveries as a result of arrive subsequent week, he mentioned.

From Sept. 15 authorities will start providing a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to these aged over 50 and susceptible teams.

Whereas Denmark noticed a slight improve in COVID infections over the summer season the variety of instances now seems to be on the decline, Danish well being authorities mentioned.

The European Union’s drug regulator on Thursday backed two separate COVID-19 vaccine boosters up to date to focus on the Omicron variant, forward of an anticipated rise in infections this winter.

Developed by Moderna and the group of Pfizer (PFE.N) and BioNTech (22UAy.DE), the brand new so-called bivalent photographs fight the BA.1 model of Omicron and the unique virus first detected in China. read more

The European Medicines Company can be anticipated to supply its opinion on tailored vaccines concentrating on the presently dominant BA.4/BA.5 variants within the coming weeks.

Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Stine Jacobsen; Enhancing by Gareth Jones and Mike Harrison

Our Requirements: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.