Govt imposes stricter COVID restrictions on restaurants, border

The government on Tuesday imposed tighter entry control from the European Union and Schengen area and stricter restrictions on restaurant and bar against the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak in the country.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin at a press briefing announced the government decisions late Tuesday night at 11:00 pm after a marathon six-hour cabinet meeting.

According to the new restriction, incoming people would be required to show a negative COVID-19 test certificate issued less than 48 hours before their arrival at the Finnish borders despite having proof of a full course of vaccination effecting from 28 December.

The restriction, however, will not applicable for Finnish citizens and residents.

The similar restriction is already applicable for the incoming people from non-EU countries and Omicron risk areas from Tuesday.

The government also imposed stricter restrictions on the opening hours and accommodation capacity of restaurants and bars.

The restrictions, however, will take place in two phases as the government decided to give time to the business.

The government did not impose restrictions on contact teaching.

The detail about the government decisions will be announced from a press conference on Wednesday.