On Friday 18 June, the Government proposed a number of temporary amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act. The aim is to prevent Coronavirus infections contracted abroad from spreading to Finland.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, people arriving in Finland would be required to present a certificate of recovery from Covid-19, a certificate of full vaccination (one or two doses, depending on the vaccine) or a certificate of a negative Covid-19 test taken before arrival in Finland.
Those who could not present a certificate "should get tested as soon as they arrive in Finland," the Ministry emphasizes.
Those who have not received their full vaccination series or had a Covid-19 infection should take a second test within 3–5 days after arriving in Finland. The section on a second test would remain in force until 15 October 2021.
The obligation to present a certificate or take a test would apply to people over 16 years of age. The amended Act would also specify the exceptional categories of people who would not be subject to this obligation.
The Communicable Diseases Act would make it punishable to not take the required tests.
Police, customs
The regulation on executive assistance would also be complemented. The police and Customs could provide executive assistance in ensuring compliance with the prohibition to leave, for example, the airport, stopping a vehicle and directing traffic.
The amendments are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible.
European countries have put in place various measures to prevent the spread of infections across borders. Such measures include quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements for travellers.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs recommends exercising special caution when travelling to the EU and Schengen area The Ministry also recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to countries outside the EU and Schengen area, except for countries for which the restrictions on entry have been lifted.
In addition, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs still recommends avoiding all travel to Brazil, South Africa and India.
