Helsingin Sanomat is among the papers reporting that despite a driver walkout hitting commuter trains in the capital region, trains on several lines were still operating.
The paper refers to an announcement by the state railways VR that G trains (Riihimäki–Lahti) are running as scheduled, and that some of its M trains (Toijala–Nokia) and Z trains (Helsinki–Lahti) are also in service.
In addition, all commuter train tickets are valid on long-distance trains on Thursday and Friday. Long-distance trains stop for commuters in Pasila, Tikkurila, Leppävaara, Karjaa, Riihimäki, Hämeenlinna, Toijala and Lahti.
VR has said that the walk-out is having no effect on long-distance trains or freight traffic.
Helsingin Sanomat also reports that Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL) is not providing extra alternative means of transportation. Buses running along main rail routes, as well as on Hämeenlinnanväylä, Tuusulanväylä and Lahdenväylä were heavily congested.
Alternatives and risks
The tabloid Ilta-Sanomat writes that HSL was urging commuters in the Helsinki region to avoid public transport during the strike, if possible.
For those who must travel, HSL recommended using its Journey Planner service, either web or mobile app.
Ilta-Sanomat also supplies an extensive listing of bus lines serving various destinations in the region.
In a by-lined commentary, Iltalehti reporter Joonas Alanne writes that from a public health point of view, the walk-out is irresponsible, hitting hardest at those people who cannot work from home during the epidemic.
The incidence rate for the coronavirus was 469 in Helsinki on Wednesday, 457 in Vantaa, 313.2 in Espoo and 236.1 in Kauniainen. The situation has only worsened since the restrictions were tightened a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to the railway sector union, writes Alanne, it could be even higher in two weeks.
Turku student outbreak
Turku's Turun Sanomat reports an outbreak of coronavirus infections in that city as a result of a student gathering that took place on 6 March.
The paper says dozens of young people were infected and several hundred more exposed as a result, many of them foreign exchange students.
Turun Sanomat points out that the situation is further complicated by the fact that many exchange students live in apartments with shared kitchens.
Students living in flats with shared kitchens or bathrooms are being urged to stay in their own rooms as much as possible, to wear masks while in shared spaces and to wash their hands frequently. Also, anyone who may have been exposed should get tested if showing even mild symptoms and voluntarily quarantine.
Finns Party edging ahead
A fresh poll published by Helsingin Sanomat shows the Finns Party making gains among voters in the run-up to June's local elections, while the Social Democratic Party has slipped slightly.
The poll found 21.5 percent voter support for the Finns Party, up by 0.4 percentage points since a similar survey in February.
Sakari Nurmela, research director of Kantar TNS, which conducted the poll, believes that the deteriorating coronavirus situation may have contributed to the advance in popularity for the opposition Finns Party.
Infection rates have risen sharply in March. The government is preparing for increasingly tough restrictive measures. In addition, it was decided to postpone the municipal elections due to the difficult public health situation. The opposition has described the postponement of the election as a failure for the government and the prime minister. The Finns Party was the only political group to oppose the delay.
Helsingin Sanomat writes that the situation looks good for the Finns Party. In addition to growing support, it has amassed a record number of municipal election candidates. The party now has over 1,500 more candidates than it did in the last municipal election.
We're interviewing all the major party leaders before local elections this spring on the All Points North podcast. You can hear the latest episode in this embedded player, via Yle Areena, on Spotify or via your favoured podcast provider.
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Is alcohol essential?
The Swedish-language daily Hufvudstadsbladet notes that it is still uncertain whether visits to Alko alcohol retail shops would be regarded as an essential activity, if and when the government decides to impose stringent restrictions on movement.
While details of the government plan have not been made public, the paper says it is possible that shopping could be limited to essential store and pharmacy visits.
This paper raises the question of whether Alko shops would be allowed to remain open and if the public could still visit them.
Hufvudstadsbladet quotes Ismo Tuominen of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, who is responsible for the state's ownership control of Alko, as saying he has not yet been informed on the issue.
He pointed out, however, that the bulk of alcoholic drinks are sold through supermarkets, so if the intention is to ban sales of alcohol for a temporary period, those outlets should also be affected. "There is no point in only closing the Alko shops," said Tuominen.