prime minister Sanna Marin (SDP) said the negotiations between the five parties in the government are "very difficult" and that some were in his office "very critical" towards ordering a curfew.
Marin commented on Monday’s meeting with board members on defining new societal restrictions to improve the country’s deteriorating coronavirus situation.
The government is considering restricting people’s freedom of movement, using face shields and extending the ongoing partial closure, which is due to end on March 28th.
"I hope we can make a decision, but I know that several are critical [towards restrictions]," Marin said when he arrived at the noon meeting held at the Estate House in Helsinki.
Cabinet members will also need to discuss the possibility of continuing the recent three-week closures of restaurants and bars in certain areas, as well as possible distance learning measures for schools and colleges.
"Personally, I expect the closure of the restaurant to continue, but the decision is ultimately in the hands of the government and the parliamentary groups," he said before the meeting.
He said several government parliamentary groups will meet on Monday afternoon to discuss the proposals.
Hours of operation: Some in favor, some against
Leader of the Central Party, Minister of Culture Annikka Saarikko, said his party was in favor of curfews.
"As long as movement restrictions are strictly limited to areas where the epidemic is worst and most necessary, and also to time-limited ones. Not nationally, not even provincially," The archipelago said.
Saarikko hoped that the restrictions would be decided unanimously among the five parties in the government, as was the case last spring.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice Anna-Maja Henriksson (SPP) said that restricting the movement of people can only be implemented for absolutely necessary reasons.
His party has opposed restrictions such as curfews for constitutional reasons.
"We are a constructive party, we are going to negotiate. We advise authorities and experts. Let’s see the result," Henriksson said on the way to the meeting.
Minister of the Interior Maria Ohisalo (Green) said all other measures should be taken before curfews are implemented.
He said the government has investigated measures such as forcing the use of face masks and ordering telecommuting for all workers who are able to do so. Ohisalo also noted that Finland could start requiring negative coronavirus test certificates from border passengers, but pointed out that such measures require an amendment to the law.
According to Prime Minister Marin, Finnish police forces would be needed to implement the new social restrictions. Meanwhile, Ohisalo said police would need more resources.
The interior minister also said he hoped law enforcement would receive coronavirus vaccinations as police increasingly come into contact with citizens due to increased surveillance.
Source: The Nordic Page