MPs begin facemask use in parliament session

Parliament on Thursday adopted a rule for the lawmakers with the provision for wearing mask during the plenary sessions.

The parliament also decided to keep the public gallery closed for the time being during the outbreak of coronavirus, said a press release issued by the parliament on Friday.

The decision was taken after the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)THL on Thursday updated its recommendation on the use of face masks.

The Parliament in a statement said that the THL’s recommendation would be followed during plenary sessions. As part of the coronavirus precautions the House will allow only 74 lawmakers out of 200 to participate in sessions in person at the same time.

The recommendation of THL has been added with guidance for periods when the coronavirus epidemic is accelerating or spreading.

During periods when the coronavirus epidemic is accelerating, the use of face masks is recommended not only on public transport but also in other public spaces and events where close contacts cannot always be avoided.