Day 101 of the Covid-19 Battle
It has now been 13-weeks since Denmark was hit with the virus. And after the last three weeks of monitoring, with the results and discussions with the ministers, the Queen, PM and Ministers jointly agreed it was time to let up the lockdown, slightly, and slowly, to resume some normal life once again.
The Nordic country, which was one of the first in Europe to shut down, has seen the number of coronavirus-related hospitalisations and deaths stabilise over the past few weeks. And it was now trying to balance the need to keep its population safe and the economic risks of a deep recession. Tough decisions were made by many other governments around the world, they have to now see the results.
"This will probably be a bit like walking on a tightrope. But if we stand still along the way, we could fall off, and if we go too fast, it can go wrong too. Therefore, we must take one cautious step at a time," Prime Minister told a media briefing.
He further announced that with the initial full lockdown, including the closure of schools, daycares, restaurants, cafes and gyms, non-essential businesses, and all borders to all foreigners, 3 weeks ago. Denmark is planning to reopen the daycare centres and schools for children in first to fifth grade, from next week Monday. This will allow parents to return to a half or normal workday, while granting most businesses to reopen, which have applied for clearance. All except for places of gatherings, such as pubs, restaurants, cafes, etc.
All remaining restrictions, including a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people, would stay in effect until further notice.
The PM cautioned that the gradual reopening would only happen, if the numbers stay stable. He urged all Danes to stick to the government's guidelines on social distancing and stick hygiene rules.
The PM further reported "… with the number of daily deaths steadily decreasing, per our latest report yesterday. The number of hospitalisations has fallen slightly over the past week. Denmark has reported 187,954 coronavirus-related deaths and a total of 1,6 million infected. We have seen a high healing rate of over forty percent so far."
"If we open Denmark too quickly, we risk infections rising sharply again. Then we have to close down again," the PM said.
Carolyn with Max, Amelia and Selene, were watching this on TV in the sitting room, as Max was now allowed to sit in the lazy boy chair, to spend more time with them there. He was only allowed out of the bed last week, more than two weeks longer than expected. And his doctor decided to hold on to further surgery for the time being. He had to depend on assistance and wheelchair usage, but he was mobile.
After the PM broadcast, Max sent a prayer out loud of thanks and was joined in with the others. They gave thanks to God for his healing and support through this time.