Since Saturday, anyone crossing the Danish border by boat or ferry must wear a mouth guard. The oral protection requirement applies to public transport in Denmark.
According to Hans Froholdt, CEO of the Danish shipping company Sundsbussarna, which operates Helsingborg-Helsingör, it makes many Swedes hesitate.
- I can not say which approach is best, the Swedish or the Danish. I'm not a doctor. But I think it is a pity that no common solution has been found here in the border country.
Does it affect your business?
- Yes, of course, no doubt. We get fewer travelers. Some people are afraid of corona and we have already seen a decrease in travel. And it's a shame because it's not more dangerous to be in Denmark than in Sweden.
In the waiting hall by the quay in Helsingborg sits a handful of scattered parties. Everyone has mouth guards ready and for several of them they are the first time they wear the protection.
- I sewed some this spring when I thought there would be requirements in Sweden for mouth protection. But it was never needed, so it's a premiere for me, says Eva Jelinek.
The mouth guards may be removed when passengers eat and drink on board.
Eva and her company are positive about the demand.
- It should have been introduced earlier. I would have liked to have seen it on buses and trains in Sweden, says Alena Cervenkova.