Finland should tighten restrictions on shops and cinemas, Foreigner.fi readers say

According to the the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the number of new coronavirus cases has increased in Finland "at an alarming rate in recent weeks." 

As the epidemic accelerates and enters a new phase, the use of masks is recommended not only in public transport, but also in secondary schools, colleges, indoor and outdoor public events where close contact between individuals and groups of people cannot always be avoided.

Moreover, Finnish restaurants are once again subject to opening hours restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, as of 8 October a government decree will limit the opening of bars, restaurants, pubs and nightclubs nationwide from 4:00 am to 1:00 am. The hours in which it will be allowed to sell alcohol will be from 9:00 to midnight. All establishments must be closed at 1:00.

Stricter restrictions may be introduced for those provinces where the authorities assess that the epidemic has entered an acceleration phase, as it is the case of the Helsinki metropolitan area. In those regions, bars, restaurants and pubs will have to close no later than 23:00 and the dispensing of alcohol will end at 22:00, the government said. 

Therefore, Foreigner.fi asked the readers in a Twitter poll: “Finland will tighten next week restrictions on bars and restaurants to fight Covid-19. Should the same be done with shops, cinemas, libraries and other entertainment venues?”

In the poll, the respondents were given two options which were 'Yes’ and ' No'.

The mini poll was answered by 57 readers and 68.4% of the readers think Finland should tighten restrictions on shops, cinemas, libraries and other entertainment venues. 31.6% said, ‘No’.

About the reader’s comments, one reader said, “Cinemas, definitely.”

Foreigner.fi is going to ask a different question about Finland every Friday on its official Twitter account @foreigner.fi