COVID-19 update – gradually reopening

As the COVID-19 curve is beginning to flatten out world-wide, several countries are gradually reopening society and restarting businesses, and we are slowly beginning to see an increasing demand for our services globally.

All LEMAN offices are still fully operational, and we are following the recommendations from local governments. Only a minimum number of employees are working on-site, and we are keeping our customers’ supply chains moving to ensure a steady flow of goods, including vital necessities as food and medical supplies, to all corners of the world.

Currently, the following precautions apply in countries, where LEMAN is present with own offices:

Denmark:

Borders are still closed for leisure travelling. However, Germans, Icelanders and Norwegians are allowed entry as per 15th June. Also, you can enter Denmark if you are in a relationship with a Dane. Any transport of goods and cargo is still running, and fast-track lanes are in place for commercial transports. Air cargo is fully operational, and LEMAN has established air bridges flights from Asia. However, capacity problems may appear, as passenger flights in general are banned. Schools, malls and restaurants are open, while libraries and municipal facilities are closed for now, but it is expected that the government will slowly start to open more and more areas. All individuals must keep 1 metre of distance, and no more than 10 people can be gathered. Danes are advised not to travel outside Northern Europe until 31 August.

USA:

President of the United States confirmed on Wednesday 29th April the federal government’s coronavirus social distancing guidelines will be “fading out” when they expire Thursday 30th April, counting on states taking charge as they pivot to reopening. All major ports and airports are operating. However, JFK airport is facing cargo release delays and essential cargo takes priority. The US has banned the entry of all foreign nationals who have travelled to: Brazil, China, Iran, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK or Ireland 14 days before their arrival.

US citizens or permanent residents, who have visited a high-risk area, must fly into one of the 13 international airports with enhanced entry screening capabilities. On 18th March, the US Government announced that the US would close its northern border with Canada "by mutual consent" to non-essential traffic such as tourists and other visitors. On 20th March, the US and Mexico agreed to restrict non-essential travel over their shared border. The Government declared a national state of emergency. Local state governments have imposed a series of restrictions. However, some states have announced that they will reopen society and businesses. The situation keeps developing fast in every state, keep yourself updated on your state’s official website.

UK:

People must stay at home except for shopping for necessities, for exercise (only once a day), for any medical purpose and for going to work (if you can go to work – go to work). Shops selling non-essential goods will slowly reopen. Gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are being prohibited. Other premises including libraries, playgrounds, outdoor gyms, and places of worship are also closed. Funerals can still go ahead but weddings have been banned, as have baptisms and other ceremonies. Parks will remain open for exercise, but gatherings will be dispersed, with police being handed the power to step in and enforce the new measures. People are advised to avoid public transport if possible. Entering into the UK from abroad after 8^th of June will force you into 14 days isolation (not for drivers, keyworkers etc.)  

Sweden:

The Government has decided to stop all public gatherings and events with more than 50 people. The aim with this legislation is to prevent situations where large numbers of people from different parts of the country come together in the same place. However, schools, public transportation, private functions, and visits to supermarkets do not fall under this legislation. In shopping centers, restaurants, bars and cafés, crowds of people in queue, along buffets or at tables must be avoided, and visitors must be able to keep distance to each other. Commercial transports are not affected, and road, air and sea transportation are still fully functional – including the LEMAN air bridge from Asia. In general, people should consider whether their trip to Sweden is necessary or not – people are advised to do what they can in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 In Sweden to not burden the healthcare system more than necessary. If a foreign individual is feeling ill, then the advice is to stay in one’s home country and not go to Sweden. 

Norway:

All borders are closed to tourists, but commercial transports are still allowed to enter. Norwegian citizens and individuals who do have a creditable purpose for entering Norway are exempted (e.g. commercial transports, people who work in Norway etc.). Also, EEA citizens, who want to visit close family or a leisure property that they own, will be allowed access to the country. Individuals entering Norway may be subject to quarantine, which has just recently been reduced from 14 to 10 days. Kindergartens and schools have opened. Gatherings must not exceed 50 persons, and sport and cultural events have a limit of 200 participants, as long as people remember to keep distance.  

Finland:

Schools, universities and other educational institutions have reopened. Public meetings and gatherings as well as visits to health care units are restricted. Gatherings of over 50 people will become possible as of 1 June. Bars and restaurants are closed for most services – but restaurants can gradually begin serving customers from 1 June. Cultural venues will also gradually open as of 1 June, however, large events exceeding 500 people will not be allowed until 31 July. Border traffic is restricted but is still open for commercial transport. Travelling is allowed if you come from the EU Schengen Area, have an essential reason to do so or have a permanent work contract in Finland.

Greenland:

For now, Greenland has no registered COVID-19 cases. A ban on commercial flights and ferry services within Greenland was lifted on 25th April. However, it is recommended by the Greenlandic government to limit all internal travel. Otherwise, In Greenland, the same restrictions and guidelines apply as in Denmark. All commercial transportation is still fully functional to ensure the necessary supply of food, medicine and consumer goods. A ban on trans-atlantic commercial passenger flights and ferry services to and from Greenland, imposed on 20th March, was recently extended from 30th April to 31st May.

We are here and ready to help you with your shipments – please contact your local LEMAN representative to hear more about our alternative transportation solutions and to get your goods on the move.