COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Children in classes up to fourth grade will return to school Feb. 8 in Denmark after the country has seen a steady reduction in new COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.

Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said it was “a careful reopening,” adding the Scandinavian country is still dealing with the virus variant first reported in Britain that has been spreading in Denmark despite overall declining number of new infections.

Staff at schools will undergo regular testing and parents will be required to wear facemasks on school sites.

Denmark has recorded 2,145 deaths and 198,960 cases.