Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin has opened the debate for the first time about the possibility of isolating certain areas within Finland to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (koronavirus, in Finnsh).
Uusimaa (the province comprising Helsinki and its surroundings) is by far the area where more infections have been diagnosed.
On Saturday Morning, in an interview with the program Ylen Ykkösaamu, in the national broadcasting company, she said that the Government is prepared to restrict movement from Uusimaa to other parts of Finland if the situation caused by the Covid-19 worsens.
According to Marin, the possibility of isolating Uusimaa is not currently under consideration, but the situation is being monitored daily and if it changes it may be necessary to impose restrictions.
"If the situation in Uusimaa were to become so bad that these containment measures would have to be taken, the government would issue an implementing regulation and pass it on to Parliament," Marin said.
Movements between the capital area and the rest of Finland could be restricted under Section 118 of the Emergency Act.
Tightening the curfew
"For example, movement from one province to another could be restricted. If the situation were to get really bad for Uusimaa, then the government would pass a decree on introduction and take it to Parliament for decision," Marin added.
The Government also considered tightening the current restrictions of basic rights for individuals. At the moment, restrictions in force apply to the movement of the elderly and ban public gatherings of more than 10 people.
"We will monitor compliance with existing bans. If they are not enough we will have to go tougher and we will also consider tightening the curfew," Prime Minister said.
