Proposal for preventing coronavirus spread from abroad goes to parliament

The government on Friday submitted a proposal to the parliament to bring a number of temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act with the view to prevent COVID-19 infections contracted abroad from spreading to Finland.

The proposed amendments included the criteria for presenting certificates of recovery from COVID-19, a certificate of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken before arrival in Finland, said Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

If persons arriving in Finland could not present a COVID-19 certificate, they should get tested as soon as they arrive in Finland. Those who have not received their full vaccination series or had a COVID-19 infection should take a second test within 3–5 days after arriving in Finland. The section on a second test would remain in force until 15 October 2021.

The obligation to present a certificate or take a test would apply to people over 16 years of age. The amended Act would also specify the exceptional categories of people who would not be subject to this obligation.

The new law would make it punishable to not take the required COVID-19 tests.

The regulation on executive assistance would also be complemented. The police and Customs could provide executive assistance in ensuring compliance with the prohibition to leave, for example, the airport, stopping a vehicle and directing traffic.

The amendments are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible, and they would remain in force until 31 December 2021.