Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced Monday via Twitter that the government is preparing to implement more restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus, such as ordering bars and restaurants to close.
"Also, restrictions on movement are being prepared. Legislation has proven to be rigid in respect to some measures," Marin tweeted in Finnish.
"Our legislation establishes a tight [legal] framework for action by the government and preparations will take, at best, a day. It is clear that following the crisis we will be have to carefully evaluate the need of reforming legislation. We are now working under tough time pressures with the means at our disposal," she wrote, continuing that any lack of action is not a lack of will to act.
According to sources quoted by Yle's Finnish-language service, the government discussed ordering the closure of restaurants, nightclubs and bars last Thursday, but no further action was taken at that time.
Education Minister Li Andersson stated at a government press briefing on Monday that the heads of the five coalition government parties will meet again during the evening hours.