Denmark's high vaccination rate has enabled it to become one of the first EU countries to lift all internal restrictions, after 548 days with restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19.

The return to normalcy has been gradual, but as of Friday, the digital switch - a testament to vaccination - is no longer required when people enter nightclubs.

More than 80% of people over the age of 12 in the Scandinavian country have taken two doses, allowing the Danish government to declare by midnight that it no longer considers Covid-19 a "socially critical" disease.

"We have opened the door, but we can close it again if necessary," said Søren Riis Paludan, a professor of virology at Aarhus University.

The turning point in Denmark to start easing restrictions came when most in the 50+ age group took both doses of the vaccine, Riis Paludan said.

As of August 14, wearing masks on public transport is no longer mandatory. On September 1, nightclubs reopened, restrictions on public gatherings were lifted, and it was no longer mandatory to show permission to sit inside restaurants, to go to sports matches, gyms or hairdressers.

However, wearing face masks is still mandatory at airports when people go to the doctor, testing centers or hospitals. Social distance is recommended and strict entry restrictions apply to non-Danes at the border.

Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said in August that "the epidemic is under control", but warned "we are not out of the epidemic" and the government will act as needed.

Sources: Euronews, Guardian