Denmark says it is planning to reopen next week kindergarteners and primary schools for pupils aged up to 11 in a gradual lifting of the country’s coronavirus lockdown, AP reported.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said that her government planned opening schools for younger students up until class five first because the requirement to care for them represented a greater burden on society. Reopening is planned for April 15.

Denmark will keep in force border controls and ban gatherings of more than 10 people at least until May 10.

She said restaurants, bars and cafes would remain closed for now. Also churches, libraries, sports venues and shopping centres would remain closed until at least May 10.

Frederiksen stressed the announced gradual easing of the lockdown would take place only if the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases remains stable and there is no major hike by Easter.