The government eased restrictions on coronavirus on Monday by allowing boyfriends and partners from some citizens to enter Denmark from neighboring countries, police and justice officials told CNN.
Relaxed border checks only apply to permanent residents of Denmark’s neighboring countries: Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Couples must also have met in person regularly to be considered under the policy.
The plan has sparked controversy in Denmark as those seeking to cross the border have to prove to the police that their relationship is at least six months old.
Following privacy concerns, the authorities are updating the law to request only a signed declaration as proof of a qualifying relationship.
“The police asked people to prove the report by showing evidence. The evidence could be love letters or photos or something, but that was changed yesterday by the Minister of Justice,” said a Danish police spokesman. .
For now, the test requirement remains in effect.
“In order for a treasure to enter Denmark, evidence must be provided that the relationship lasted for some six months,” says the Danish National Police website.
“Lovers must have met in person regularly. Consequently, lovers whose relationship was based solely on written and telephone contacts are not deemed to have a worthy purpose under the current restrictions on entry.
“Foreigners can freely choose the extent and nature of the evidence they prefer to demonstrate to demonstrate the relationship with their boyfriends in Denmark,” adds the website.
“An assessment will be made at the border of the possibility of the foreigner entering Denmark.”
Officials are finalizing updates to the law to allow Danish partners to cross the border after signing a statement, the country’s Ministry of Justice told CNN.
“There may be some situations where more police control is needed, but as a starting point, it is enough to sign this statement,” Danish justice minister Nick Hækkerup said on Monday.
“If it turns out that 500,000 German partners suddenly arrive in Denmark, then you could say,” There are probably some who betray the rules. “
In addition to turning to romantic partners, the slight relaxation of the borders will also allow people to visit their grandparents or visit their holiday homes in Denmark, which are all considered “worthy purposes”.
All other travelers without a deserving purpose “will be denied entry to Denmark at all internal and external borders,” according to the police website.
The slight relaxation of the borders is the last step of the Danish plan for a “controlled reopening” following the restrictions of the coronavirus.
The Ministry of Justice said that Denmark is discussing the next steps for reopening with the Nordic countries and Germany. Countries are also putting together a plan for summer tourism, on which the Danish government will make a statement by 29 May.
Denmark has more than 11,400 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 560 deaths, according to the latest data from Johns Hopkins University.
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