Advertisement

Aarhus coronavirus outbreak: face masks become mandatory on public transport

The Local Denmark
The Local Denmark - [email protected]
Aarhus coronavirus outbreak: face masks become mandatory on public transport
A police information sign in central Aarhus. Photo: Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix

Face masks are to be made a mandatory requirement on public transport in Aarhus, in response to a spike in Covid-19 cases in the city.

Advertisement

Health minister Magnus Heunicke confirmed the measure for Denmark’s second-largest city on Friday.

“We can’t have another March 11th [the day Denmark announced lockdown, ed.] with comprehensive lockdown. We believe that with pinprick operations like this, we can stop (outbreaks) through local efforts,” Heunicke said.

“We are convinced that the people of Aarhus will back us up on this,” he added.

The rule will apply for 14 days initially and is expected to take effect imminently, DR writes. Passengers on public transport will need both a face mask and a ticket in order to travel.

In addition to the use of face masks, the health ministry is asking people in the city to avoid public transport where possible.

 

Advertisement

Coronavirus cases across Denmark are currently increasing. 136 new cases were registered on Friday, the highest total since June 22nd (not including Monday updates, which collate weekend figures).

Of the 136 new cases, 68 are in Aarhus, continuing an upward trend of cases in the city which makes it a hotspot when compared to the rest of the country. 34 cases were registered between Wednesday and Thursday.

In previous comments, officials in Aarhus have said that no one community or event was to blame for the outbreak.

READ ALSO: Danish party calls for free face masks for low-income groups

Aarhus lord mayor Jacob Bundsgaard said in a Danish Patient Safety Authority press statement that the situation is "extremely serious".

“Everyone has a responsibility in the fight against the corona epidemic. We can only stop the virus with a strong joint effort,” Bundsgaard said.

Authorities are also encouraging working from home and have requested youth education institutes to postpone physical classes by 14 days.

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also