Lockdown proposal tabled at parliament

The government on Thursday submitted a proposal to the parliament with the view to impose restriction on freedom of movement in greater Helsinki and Turku regions and mandatory use of facemask against the backdrop of the worsening coronavirus situation.

As per the proposal, the restrictions would be introduced by separate government decrees in areas where the epidemic can no longer be prevented using the existing measures, said an official press release.

In areas where the restrictions on movement are in force, people would only be allowed to leave their homes or places of residence for essential reasons or for outdoor recreation.

People could move around outdoors for recreational or fitness purposes with others belonging to the same household or at most two other persons. While doing outdoor activities, it is important to keep a safe distance from other people. Walking pets would be allowed.

Children born in 2008 or later would be allowed to do outdoor activities and play outside with other children.

People living in areas where the restrictions are in force would be allowed to leave their municipality of residence only for essential reasons. The same would apply to people from other municipalities entering areas where the restrictions are in place.

The restrictions could be imposed for a maximum of 21 days.

The legislative proposal would also introduce a mask mandate in areas where the restrictions on movement are in force. In line with the proposal, all people born in 2007 or before must wear a facemask while in indoor spaces and in means of transport with persons other than those belonging to the same household.

The police could impose a fixed fine of EUR 40.00 for violation of the mask mandate.

Essential movement would be permitted for food and drink, medicines, fuel or other items of similar importance for everyday life, to handle banking matters and to collect and send mail and other items, to access healthcare or social welfare services or official services that cannot be accessed remotely, to perform duties related to a post or employment relationship or to pursue trade or business activities.

The police would be responsible for monitoring compliance with restrictions on movement.

Upon request from the police, people would need to provide an account of their destination and their reason for moving around outside.

The police could not prevent a person from moving outside for an essential reason provided in the decree. The police could order crowds to disperse, apprehend persons violating the restrictions and impose a fine for the violation.

The act is set to enter into force as soon as possible and it will remain in force until 14 May 2021. The act would not apply in the autonomous region of Åland.