Return to schools did not worsen COVID-19 outbreak in Denmark, data shows
People observe the social distancing rules as they visit the Copenhagen Zoo, which partially reopened following its closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, May 25, 2020 . (AFP Photo)


The partial reopening of Danish schools did not lead to an increase in coronavirus infections among young students, a doctor of infectious disease epidemiology and prevention at the Danish Serum Institute said on Thursday, citing new data.

Denmark was one of the first countries to reopen society on April 15 after a one-month lockdown, allowing students up to fifth grade back in school.

"You cannot see any negative effects from the reopening of schools," Peter Andersen told Reuters, referring to data updated on Wednesday.

The latest data showed no significant increase in infections among children between ages 1 and 19 in the weeks after the partial reopening of schools.

"Based on the preliminary experiences that we have had, it has been a prudent way to plan a reopening," Andersen added.