Government discusses measures to prevent spread of new virus variant

In its meeting on Wednesday 13 January, the Government discussed measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 variant and the renewed acceleration of the epidemic.

The Government decided that the Ministry of the Interior would prepare a proposal on tightening border traffic in order to prevent the spread of the new variant in accordance with the current legislation and the decision-making powers it grants to the Government. The Government also agreed that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs would update the current travel recommendations.

In the Government’s view, municipalities and regions should continue to implement the restrictive measures detailed in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health circular. It is very important that the measures to address the community transmission phase are implemented in a complete and uniform manner in all areas where the epidemic has entered this phase.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the other ministries will prepare a proposal for next week’s Government meeting on further measures needed to prevent the spread of the new virus variant.

Inquiries: Päivi Anttikoski, Director of Government Communications, tel. +358 40 536 4821