Table 1 Main themes and categories (sub-categories not shown)

Ethical challenges the DMOs have experienced during the pandemic

Relative neglect of the interests of vulnerable groups

Balancing the need for infection control measures with other interests and negative consequences

Infection control versus confidentiality and privacy

Challenges in fair resource allocation

Handling the ethical challenges

Between strict guidelines and discretionary power

Collegial support within and outside the municipality

Limited ethical reflection