Finland takes tougher measures against coronavirus

An earlier recommendation by the government of cancelling events with over 500 participants became an official ban as the regional administrations confirmed it on Friday, which means the country is taking tougher measures to cope with the spread of COVID-19, reported news agency Xinhua.

In the capital, Helsinki Mayor Jan Vapaavuori announced at a press conference the city's latest decision regarding the coronavirus situation. Public events with over 100 participants organized by the city will be cancelled for the time being, and that indoor swimming pools of the city and sports halls closed.

The number of coronavirus infection cases rises to 155 in Finland as 51 more cases were diagnosed at different parts of the country on Friday, said National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Among the new infection cases, there is one in the Finnish Defense Forces. The forces said they had been able to identify those exposed. Planned refresher trainings for reservists have been cancelled throughout the defense forces due to the situation.

Following government measures, Finnish National Theater announced the cancellation of all performances in this spring.