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More early-hit European nations unwind Omicron restrictions

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Two countries that experienced early Omicron surges in Europe—Denmark and the Netherlands—today announced that they were stepping down their restrictions.Meanwhile in Asia, variant surges are accelerating in countries such as Japan and South Korea, triggering tightened measures.Loosened restrictions, declining ICU burdenIn Denmark last week, public places such as museums opened after a 4-week COVID-19 lockdown, and today the country's epidemic committee recommended lifting all COVID-19 restrictions by the end of the month, according to Berlingske, Denmark's leading newspaper.The group also recommended that, as of Feb 5, COVID-19 should no longer be categorized as a "socially critical" disease.Denmark's prime minister is expected to address the recommendations at a briefing tomorrow, and the committee's assessment is expected to have broad support in parliament.The country was one of the first in Europe to experience a surge in Omicron activity.

Currently, Danish scientists are noting that the BA.2 Omicron subvariant numbers are rising rapidly and may become dominant.

Researchers suspect BA.2 may be more transmissible than the parent virus, and studies are under way to gauge any differences regarding tests, vaccines, treatments, and clinical presentation.The Netherlands' prime minister today announced that bars, restaurants, and theaters can reopen tomorrow, but with some restrictions for the next 6 weeks, including limited opening hours and sports stadiums at one-third capacity, according to Reuters.

Cases in the Netherlands are still at daily record-high levels, but intensive care unit (ICU) admissions have dropped 34%.Last week, Britain loosened some of its COVID-19 restrictions, given its assessment that the country's

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