Denmark begins shutting down nationwide
December 17, 2020 (Mainichi Japan)
The 16 bronze children surrounding the statue Nilen, (the Nile) are decorated with face masks in Copenhagen, on Dec. 16, 2020. (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- Denmark is shutting down nationwide, with shopping malls and department stores ordered to close as of Wednesday and small shops -- except for food stores and pharmacies -- told to shut as of Dec. 25.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the restrictions will apply until Jan. 3. Hairdressers and beauty shops will close as of Dec. 21.
Frederiksen said she was "deeply concerned about how it will go in the coming winter months," adding that Denmark's "health care system is under pressure."