Helsinki, Nov 26th : .In light of the worsening Covid-19 Situation in Finland, several decisions have been made by authorities on border health protection measures, restaurant opening hours, and practically restored the measures in spring 2021. According to Xinhua news agency, Finland’s coronavirus incidence rate has increased from 133 in mid-October to 237 in the past two weeks.
Last week, 7,200 new cases were reported.
The number of patients requiring intensive care has almost tripled in the past three weeks.
Krista Kiuru (Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services) addressed the media on Thursday.
She stated that Covid patients had only one ICU bed.
She stated that all patients would be treated, but scheduled surgeries would need to be delayed in order to increase ICU capacity.
Finland began to relax its restrictions in September, based on the understanding of an 80 percent vaccination rate making it possible to return to normal.
The virus spread quickly among unvaccinated people.
Despite strong opposition from the unions and the catering industry in recent weeks, the coalition parties decided on Thursday to drastically reduce the hours of restaurant opening.
Kiuru stated to journalists that Helsinki’s bars and restaurants would have to close by 6 p.m., and that alcohol sales would end at 5 p.m.
The current limits are 1 a.m.and 12 midnight, respectively.
Ismo Tuominen, a senior government adviser, stated that the new rules would be in effect on Sunday.
Unvaccinated travelers arriving at the borders of the country will continue to be tested.
They will then be required to take a second test.
Political statements made earlier in the week reflected concerns within the coalition regarding the impact on the tourism industry.
Kiuru stated that an agreement had been reached on the new border health controls and was being submitted to parliament.She stated earlier this week that Finland had approximately 100,000 foreign guest workers.
“They would return after the holiday season, and would need to be tested.”
Finland employs a two-tier decentralised approach to Covid-19 decisions.Most restrictions are determined at the regional level, while the central cabinet handles restaurant opening hours and border control.
Kiuru expressed dissatisfaction with the slow decision-making process in the region and urged them to be more efficient.
Two of the country’s regions have issued strict recommendations for face masks this week.Remote work is also back.
Over 81% of Finland’s population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.A booster dose was administered to 4.2 percent, mainly to high-risk groups and people over 60.
Finland is currently preparing to approve a booster dose for a larger population segment and to begin the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years in accordance with the latest European recommendations.
ksk/ #Finland #tightens #border #Covid #restaurant
.
