Finland may restrict movement of people due to COVID strains

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends that the country's government urgently begin drafting regulations to restrict citizens' movement due to the rapid spread of coronavirus strains, Report informs, citing the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper.

"Measures should be introduced to restrict the movement of people outside their place of residence", reads the THL statement, sent to the Cabinet.

Medical specialists propose to allow leaving home only for sports and for essential needs in regions where coronavirus strains are rapidly spreading, including the Helsinki capital region, which is the most populous. The restriction is proposed to be introduced for three weeks.

According to government sources, no decisions have yet been made on the issue.

Since March 8, a three-week lockdown has been in effect in Finland. Since March 9, restaurants and other food outlets have been closed for three weeks in 15 regions of the country and are allowed to provide takeaway services.