On Thursday, the government announced that Finland would start a three-week shutdown from March 8.
This means that in areas where the virus is in the spread and acceleration phase, an immediate transition to more stringent Tier 2 measures is recommended.
These stricter Tier 2 measures apply to seven regions: Helsinki and Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Kanta-Häme, Vaasa, Åland and Lapland.
The government also recommended that restrictions be placed on hospital districts in the acceleration phase immediately.
These areas are Eastern Savo, South Karelia, Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, Päijät-Häme, Western Ostrobothnia, Northern Ostrobothnia, Southern Ostrobothnia and Kymenlaakso.
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The current recommendations for application and acceleration areas are:
• Extensive recommendation for telecommuting and the use of face masks
• Protecting risk groups
• Distance learning for universities
• Restrictions and closures on the use of public spaces
• Interrupting group hobbies for adults
• Restrictions on air passengers and border crossings
In addition, under the amended Communicable Diseases Act, the Government has advised:
• Restrictions on gatherings of more than six people
• Avoid private events with more than six people
• Municipalities are stepping up their efforts to monitor quarantine and self-isolation
The government said it was ready to declare a state of emergency across the country, while the prime minister said he had discussed declaring a state of emergency with the president. Parliamentary groups will discuss the situation on Thursday.
Restrictions in schools
From 8 March, 7th to 9th grade and high school students, as well as those over the age of 16 in vocational training, will switch to distance learning in areas where the epidemic is in the community mediation or acceleration phase.
Providers of day care and early childhood education remain open, as do schools in up to six grades.
Restrictions on hobbies
Indoor hobbies will be suspended from March 8 for adults and children over 12 years of age.
Closure of pubs, bars and restaurants
Food and beverage businesses would be closed in emergencies from 8 to 28 March.
The sale of takeaway food would still be allowed.
Legislation on business closures and compensation would be presented to parliament next week, the prime minister said on Thursday.