Finnish Parliament will stop guided tours due to coronavirus

Finnish Parliament will end its guided visits to the Parliament House for the time being. The decision will take effect on Thursday. Parliament also restricts public events to prevent the risk of coronavirus (koronavirus in Finnish). Matti Vanhanen, Speaker of Parliament, spoke about new precautions.

On Tuesday, the Parliamentary Speakers' Council discussed the Covid-19 situation.

In order to secure the work of Parliament, Vanhanen said he has decided to stop guided visits to the Parliament House from Thursday until further notice. 

This is a precautionary measure in order to prevent exposure to the coronavirus and to secure the work of Parliament, Vanhanen said.

According to Matti Vanhanen, a break in the parliamentary session is also possible if the infection situation in Finland gets worse and a large part of parliamentarians are exposed to the virus.

Parliament also announces that no public meetings will be held at the Citizens' Information Center starting Thursday.

In addition, the Youth Parliament meeting scheduled for Friday 27 March will be canceled.

Also in the Presidential Palace

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.