By Dominic Chopping

Denmark's Prime Minister said she could begin to gradually reopen the country after Easter, as long as Danes continue to stick to the rules and the number of coronavirus cases remain stable over the next couple weeks.

At a press conference late Monday, Mette Frederiksen said Denmark responded quickly to the coronavirus to try and get ahead of the infection, closing down large parts of the country. These efforts are now showing signs of success, with infections spreading slower than feared, she added.

"This gives rise to cautious optimism."

As of Monday, Denmark had 533 coronavirus patients in hospital, with 137 of those in intensive care. 77 people have died.

"I hardly dare to say it, but if we for the next two weeks continue to stand united by keeping our distance, and if the numbers remain stable and reasonable, the government will begin a gradual, quiet and controlled opening of our society after Easter."

Ms. Frederiksen added that her comments don't signal an end to the virus, warning that if Danes stopped following the guideline, infections could speed up again, in which case even tighter measures could be introduced.

"Much rests on the Danes' shoulders," she said.

"The corona outbreak has not peaked yet [but] if we each do what we need to we will gradually and gently reopen society."

Details of her plan were scarce, but Ms. Frederiksen said when the moment comes to start reopening the country it will be done gradually and staggered. She hopes to present a plan for what a first phase of the reopening by the end of the week.

Denmark put measures in place on 11 March which run until 13 April that restrict more than 10 people gathering and closed pubs, bars, restaurants, shopping malls and schools. It has also closed the border to all non-Danish citizens.

The government has launched three aid packages for employees and companies worth over 285 billion Danish kroner ($42.2 billion).

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 31, 2020 02:54 ET (06:54 GMT)