The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has proposed that pubs, bars and nightclubs in the country be completely closed across the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Following a request for an opinion from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the THL proposed that bars, pubs, karaoke bars and nightclubs operating in the third and most severe phase of the epidemic be ordered to close. for three weeks or longer if necessary.
All regions of the country are considered to be in the “Community spread” of the epidemic, which means that all regions would be affected by such closure regulations. However, THL argued that the phasing out of bars could also be justified by regional differences in infection rates and the varying burden on local social and health care actors.
The ministry’s coronavirus working group is scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss the issue.
The health authority said it would be important to close the facilities as soon as possible, but such a change would require special legislation that could take several weeks to be discussed in parliament.
The government is also considering the possibility of closing facilities.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) told Yle that a general temporary closure of bars and restaurants may be necessary due to the worsening epidemic.
Marin did not comment on whether the government is considering invoking the provisions of the Standby Act, as was also the case in the spring of 2021, but acknowledged that the opportunity exists.
On Friday, the government ordered restaurants to stop serving alcohol at 5 p.m. and close the day at 6 p.m. Previous extended opening hours for food restaurants were removed.
The temporary rules will take effect on Wednesday.
Ilta-Sanomat was the first to report on HL’s recommendation on Wednesday.
Source: The Nordic Page