The message about Denmark's borders with Sweden has been both confusing and contradictory during the ongoing corona pandemic. But when Denmark opened the border to Skåne, many took the opportunity to take the ferry from Helsingborg over to Helsingör.
Preben Nielsen is a police officer and works at the ferry location in Helsingör.
- We have had more to do than usual today because there have been some passengers coming from Skåne, he says.
A resident of Skåne can now travel to Denmark, with a certificate confirming that he or she is registered in Skåne, as well as a valid ID document showing citizenship.
Emelie Ahlström has printed a personal certificate which she ordered through the Swedish Tax Agency's website. She has this paper and her passport with her on the ferry across the strait.
- It feels great to come home a bit and come over to Denmark.
Helsingör's traders also appreciate the regulatory relief.
- We are grateful, relieved and so happy, says Rebecca Johansen, who owns two restaurants in central Helsingör.
These weeks during the industrial vacation are important to her business, says Rebecca Johansen.
Restaurant owner Per Åkkils has not yet noticed any major influx but expects more customers next week, when the Swedes seriously opened their eyes to the new rules.
Already two weeks ago, Denmark opened the borders for scans, but that message changed after only an hour.
- It didn't go so well that time, says Per Åkkils.
The reason for the border stop in the past has been that Denmark considered that Skåne County did not meet the criteria for the spread of infection that the Danish authorities set. In the past, people living in Blekinge, Kronobergs or Västerbotten counties are welcome in Denmark, as those counties are considered to have a sufficiently low infection pressure. One condition, however, has been that there is evidence that you intend to stay in the country for at least six days.
Swedes who are registered in countries with higher transmission rates continue to be excluded from Denmark.