Finland declares a state of emergency over coronavirus outbreak
The Finnish government, in cooperation with the President of the Republic, has declared a state of emergency in Finland on over coronavirus outbreak. As a result, preparations will be launched for the closure of Finland’s borders without delay in accordance with international obligations. Passenger transport to Finland will be suspended as soon as possible, with the exception of the return of Finnish citizens and persons residing in Finland.
Finnish citizens and persons residing in Finland must not travel abroad. Finnish tourists abroad are advised to return to Finland immediately. Necessary travel for work and to access other necessary services will be permitted across the northern and western borders.
Freight and goods traffic will continue as usual.
Finns and permanent residents in Finland returning from abroad will be placed in quarantine-like conditions for two weeks.
The other restrictions include closing of schools and universities (apart from a few expections), the closure of museums, theatres and other cultural venues, banning of public gatherings of over 10 people and requesting people of over 70 years of age to refrain from contact with other persons as much as possible (quarantine-like conditions). The capacity of healthcare and social welfare services will be heightened in the public and private sectors, and the capacity for coronavirus testing will be increased.
The aim of the measures is to protect the population and to safeguard the functioning of society and the economy.