Police may fine, if movement restriction violated

Police have taken preparations to implement the government restriction on movement to and from Uusimaa region effecting from Friday, said a press release issued by the National Police Board.

The government on Wednesday decided to restrict the movement between the Uusimaa and other regions in Finland from March 27 to April 19 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The police will conduct visible control on the first days to ensure that people are informed of the restrictions and are able to comply. Roadblocks will be set up on the access roads to the region of Uusimaa and 24/7 checkpoints on the main roads and major routes, National Police Commissioner Seppo Kolehmainen said.

“We will of course continue control later as well, but the main responsibility for doing the right thing lies with each and every one of us, regardless of visible control measures, the scope of this control, or the amount of the fine to be imposed for violating the restrictions,” Kolehmainen said.

As a rule, the restrictions on movement apply to all those who have no valid reason to travel between the region of Uusimaa and other regions in Finland.

“You must postpone all your trips between Uusimaa and other parts of Finland unless they are absolutely necessary. It is up to all of us how soon we can go back to normal,” said the Police Commissioner.

“Up to 700 police officers may be needed to control compliance with the restrictions on movement only. Nevertheless, all urgent emergency duties will be dealt with. They always come first,” he said.

According to Kolehmainen, the police departments of the region of Uusimaa will set up an incident response team to ensure compliance with the restrictions. This team will be led by the Helsinki Police Department.

People, however, will be allowed to move to and from the region, if there is valid ground specified in the order.

At checkpoints, the traveler need to be prepared to give, orally or in writing, an adequate reason for crossing the Uusimaa border. The police will assess the necessity for travel in each individual case.