Variety reports Denmark has shuttered cinemas, stores, schools, and restaurants ahead of the holidays in response to the surge in COVID-19 cases and the new variant. The country reported 11,194 cases.

"This is not a lockdown of society as we saw last winter, but we need to immediately reduce activity in society," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Per Frederiksen, the government will compensate businesses affected by new restrictions.

"We consider the situation as being serious. Both delta and omicron infections are increasing in Norway. The number of people who are admitted to hospitals and intensive care units is increasing," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere.