Now you can stop self-isolating sooner

There is currently a very extensive social contagion with up to 40,000 daily infected cases of covid-19. Our previous recommendations meant that a large number of people had to self-isolate for extended periods of time, which makes it difficult to maintain essential services in our society.

Furthermore, we are now faced with a new situation where no clear correlation exists between the number of infected and the number of hospitalised with severe covid-19 disease. This is probably due to both the high herd immunity and the fact that the omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease.

"We have to maintain a balance between the situation we are in and our guidelines and recommendations. The recent increase in the number of infected has had a major impact on society. Many people have had to self-isolate, which has had a marked impact on businesses and services and have left them struggling to cope. At the same time, we believe that it is safe to ease restrictions because we have such high herd immunity in Denmark and because we have protected those who are at higher risk of severe illness from covid-19," says Deputy Director General Helene Probst.

When we see that there is no longer a correlation between the number of infected and the number of hospitalisations, it is mainly because a large percentage of the population have become immune to the disease either through vaccination or previous infection. 4,7 million people have received two jabs with one of the covid-19 vaccines, and 3,5 million have also received the third booster jab during autumn and winter. Furthermore, an estimated 1 million have been infected with omicron since the variant first appeared in early December 2021. There will be a significant overlap between those who have been vaccinated and previously infected, and overall herd immunity is therefore likely to be substantial in the Danish population.

"The more relaxed guidelines on self-isolation will undoubtedly lead to more infection. We cannot stop all chains of infection, but we can reduce the spread of infection as much as possible. Therefore, we recommend that you self-isolate when the risk of infecting others is greatest – namely in the period just before you develop symptoms and when you have symptoms," explains Helene Probst.

"With the increased social contagion, it is important that we take extra care of those who are at higher risk of becoming severely ill with covid-19. Right now, infection among those 65 or older is slightly decreasing, which is probably due to revaccination and to the fact that they take good care of themselves. But we must all continue to focus on the infection prevention measures and continue to pay special attention to avoiding infection in nursing homes and hospitals," says Helene Probst.

The guideline for tracing contacts of people with covid-19 has been updated according to the new recommendations. All other information material about self-isolation and close and other contacts is currently being updated. In addition, the website coronaprover.dk/ will also be updated.

The guidelines for managing covid-19 in the healthcare system has also been updated and includes, among other things, the recommendation that a partner who has tested positive for the coronavirus can participate in childbirth as well as recommendations regarding self-isolation and testing of personnel.