Parliament extends Coronavirus precautions

The Finnish Parliament is expanding precautionary measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus (koronavirus, in Finnish) and securing parliamentary work. Last Tuesday, the already announced that guided tours inside the building would be cancelled.

The Speaker's Council announced on Wednesday that no parliamentary meetings and seminars involving outside persons would be held so far. A maximum of five personal guests can be received at a time and only for work assignments, not for introductory visits.

Committees and parliamentary groups may invite experts as before.

The restrictions will take effect on Friday.

On Tuesday, Parliament decided to end the guided visits to the Parliament House for the time being.

Avoid hand shaking

The Parliament also announced that no public events will be held at the Citizens' Information Center starting Thursday.

MPs and officials may cancel foreign travel already acquired if the purpose of the trip is endangered by the risk of infection. In addition, MPs have been advised to avoid shaking hands, and the parliamentary health station has reminded MPs of washing their hands.

For the time being, no guest groups are welcome in the Presidential Palace, the Office of the President reported on Monday.