Denmark eases anti-virus border controls

Denmark is easing border controls introduced in March as part of efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus, the national police said on Thursday.

Border controls will be periodic and selective, allowing for smoother traffic flows, the police said.

In addition, the police will "as soon as possible" re-open all 13 land border crossings in southern Jutland to neighbouring Germany; until now only three were open.

Police were meanwhile to maintain their presence at international airports and continue to conduct spot checks for arrivals from countries in the passport-free Schengen area not affected by Danish quarantine rules.

Full checks will remain for passengers arriving in Denmark from countries where quarantine rules apply.

Police said they expected the measures would shorten waiting times for travellers entering Denmark.

Closed since mid-March.

Denmark in mid-March closed its land borders for tourists and other foreigners who didn't have an important reason for visiting, but in recent months entry has gradually been eased.

Borders have remained open for deliveries of medicine and food and other important goods, as well as for Danish nationals and people who live or work in Denmark - or people in transit.

Meanwhile, the Danish Foreign Ministry said it had added San Marino to a list of countries to which non-essential travel is to be avoided, amid an increase in coronavirus infections.

Earlier, Denmark has warned against non-essential travel to Andorra, Belgium, Croatia, France, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Romania and Spain due to rising infection rates.