Denmark unveils new offensive testing strategy as part of national reopening

COPENHAGEN - Denmark unveiled a new offensive testing strategy focusing on infection detection as part of a long term plan for the reopening of the Nordic country, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"This week, the authorities will begin to track who the infected people have been in contact with. So they can be isolated quickly as we can break the chains of infection," said Frederiksen.

According to the prime minister, the new strategy will help provide a better quality of life for the most vulnerable groups of the Danish society.

"When we start with more offensive testing strategies and safeguards, hopefully, the elderly and vulnerable can also get more of their everyday lives back. See their family and see the grandchildren," said Frederiksen.

The new strategy requires a new board to be established under the Ministry of Justice, which will manage the logistical challenges around the supply of personal protective equipment and increase testing capacity as well as helping relieve the pressure on strained health authorities.

Minister of Justice Nick Haekkerup, also present at the conference, said "the Board must ensure a central, coordinated structure of stocks with protective equipment and testing capacity. It must be a crucial focal point between the private and public sectors, and in working with other countries to secure protective equipment and tests."

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Denmark stands at 10,591, with 533 deaths, among 334,260 people who have gotten tested across the country, according to the latest data released by the Danish Statens Serum Institut on Tuesday.