Parliament to decide state of emergency

The government on Friday submitted a proposal to parliament for introducing the powers laid down in the Emergency Powers Act.

The powers to be adopted through the decrees are related to directing the operations of healthcare and social welfare units and compliance with the time limits for non-urgent care, said an official press release.

The government would also adopt powers related to emergency communications and which authority has power to decide what, in cases of ambiguity.

Earlier, on 1 March, the government, in cooperation with the president, declared a state of emergency in Finland due to COVID-19 due to a worsening coronavirus situation.

Once parliament has adopted the decrees on the use of powers, sections 106 and 107 of the Emergency Powers Act will be directly applicable.

The decrees would enter into force on 11 March and would remain in force until 30 April 2021.

The decrees will not apply to the authorities of the Åland Islands.