Finland Declares State Of Emergency As Covid Cases Rise
Umer Jamshaid Published March 01, 2021 | 08:20 PM
Finland on Monday activated emergency powers as the government prepared to introduce tougher restrictions to stem a rising tide of coronavirus infections
Helsinki, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Mar, 2021 ) :Finland on Monday activated emergency powers as the government prepared to introduce tougher restrictions to stem a rising tide of coronavirus infections.
Prime Minister Sanna Marin signalled the move was imminent last week when she warned that controls limiting restaurants to takeaway service would come into force for three weeks from March 8 in some parts of the country.
"The government along with the President of the Republic has declared a state of emergency in the country," Marin told a press conference on Monday.
Finland's constitution requires emergency legislation to enforce such a restriction, and the restaurant proposal will now go before parliament, Marin said.
The government also announced on February 24 that it had instructed local authorities in areas with high infection rates, including the capital, to restrict public and private gatherings to six people.
Controls on establishments such as gyms will also be tightened, while municipal buildings including swimming pools and museums have been closed in some areas since November.
Although the state of emergency will allow limits to be placed on freedom of movement, Marin said that the government is not currently planning to reintroduce restrictions such as a blockade between the capital region and the rest of the country, which was imposed in March last year.
However, she told reporters that such restrictions could be brought in if they are deemed "necessary and proportionate".
The Nordic country has maintained one of the lowest incidences of the virus in Europe, although infections have risen sharply during February, reaching a total of 58,064 confirmed cases and 750 associated deaths in the country of 5.5 million.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From World
-
Team from Gaza mediator Egypt heads to Israel: source
3 minutes ago -
Xi tells Blinken US, China should be 'partners, not rivals'
4 minutes ago -
Ukraine agriculture minister freed on bail in corruption case
23 minutes ago -
Vietnam National Assembly head resigns amid graft purge
23 minutes ago -
Calls for mosque demolition weigh on India's Muslim voters
33 minutes ago -
Chinese shares close higher Friday
33 minutes ago
-
China's EV execs bullish on Western pressure at Beijing car show
43 minutes ago -
EU toughens rules on fashion retailer Shein
43 minutes ago -
Xi meets U.S. secretary of state in Beijing
53 minutes ago -
Ukrainian minister detained over suspected corruption: prosecutors
54 minutes ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
1 hour ago -
Pilot seriously injured after vintage plane crash in Western Australia
1 hour ago