Restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 to change as of 1 August

The restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus will be lifted as planned on 1 August 2020. The Government and the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will make new decisions as needed.

Easing of restrictions on public events, remote work recommendation lifted

In line with the regulation issued by the Regional State Administrative Agencies, public events and public meetings with more than 500 attendees may be held in indoor and enclosed outdoor spaces, provided that they comply with the guidelines from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture on preventing COVID-19 infections.

Under the Communicable Diseases Act, regulations can be issued for a maximum of one month at a time. If the situation in Finland deteriorates significantly, the Regional State Administrative Agencies may amend their decisions on restrictions for August.

The Government’s recommendation on extensive remote work will end on 1 August. The Government will review the matter if the development of the epidemic so requires. 

Epidemiological situation closely monitored by the Government

The Government and the authorities are closely monitoring the development of the epidemic and the effects of lifting the restrictions. During the last monitoring period (20–26 July), a total of 51 new cases were reported to the communicable diseases register. The weekly number of cases has risen slightly and is now at the same level as at the end of June.

The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been phased out gradually and in a controlled manner during the spring and summer. The Government’s objective to curb the epidemic while minimising the adverse impact on people, businesses, society and the exercise of fundamental rights. 

Everyone can do their part to prevent the spread of the virus by following the guidelines from the authorities.