COPENHAGEN (AFP).- Museums and zoos began reopening in Denmark on Thursday, as the country decided to accelerate its exit from lockdown and health officials said the spread of the new coronavirus was slowing.

The original plan for Denmark was to keep museums, zoos, theatres, cinemas and similar attractions closed until June 8.

But after a deal was struck in the country's parliament late Wednesday they were instead allowed to open immediately.

"It was pure cheer. Finally, we can get started," Peter Kjargaard, director of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, told broadcaster DR.

Kjargaard added that he was excited to show off the museum's new dinosaur exhibit, even if it wouldn't be ready for another month.

But not all museums reopened their doors on Thursday.

Some said they would start receiving customers over the weekend or next week.

Under the deal agreed in parliament, the Danish border remains temporarily closed, but starting next week the list of exceptions allowing travel to Denmark will be expanded to include permanent residents of all the Nordic countries and Germany wanting to visit relatives, loved ones, or homes they own in Denmark.

High school students will also begin returning to classrooms shortly.

Also on Wednesday, the Danish health agency SSI, which operates under the health ministry and is responsible for the surveillance of infectious diseases, released a report indicating the spread of the disease seems to be slowing, even as the country had started opening up.

SSI said that as of May 18 the infection rate, or reproduction rate, was estimated at 0.6, compared to 0.7 on May 7.

A reproduction rate of 1.0 means that one person with COVID-19 infects on average just one other, while a rate of below 1.0 indicates that the spread is declining.

On April 15, the country started reopening pre-schools and resuming classes for the youngest primary school children -- under strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Danish middle schools followed suit this week.

Another report this week by SSI, however showed that only one percent of Danes carried antibodies for the virus, raising concerns that the country could be vulnerable to a new wave of the virus.


© Agence France-Presse