NordenBladet — Around 16,200 new COVID-19 cases were reported between 20 and 26 December, while in the previous week the number of new cases in Finland was around 13,800. On 29 December, the total number of confirmed cases of the Omikron variant was 172. The burden on hospital care and intensive care remained stable over the Christmas holidays.In the last two calendar weeks (between 13 and 26 December), the incidence of new cases was 542 per 100,000 inhabitants. In the previous two weeks (between 29 November and 12 December), the incidence of new cases was 362 per 100,000 inhabitants.
NordenBladet — Finland’s support will be targeted at providing assistance to victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Uganda, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and at implementing reparations awarded to former child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as ordered by the International Criminal Court.“One of Finland’s key foreign policy objectives is to support the international rules-based system, in which the International Criminal Court (ICC) has a unique role,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto. According to the Minister, it is important that the victims be heard and involved in the process but they should also be supported in coping with their ordeal.“Finland’s development cooperation is based on human rights. Finland supports victims of the most extensive and serious human rights violations. The majority of victims of sexual and gender-based violence are women and girls. Promoting their rights and status is one of the key objectives of Finland’s development policy,” says Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Skinnari.The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC assists victims of the most serious crimes of international concern and human rights violations, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Trust Fund for Victims carries out assistance programmes for victims and implements reparations ordered by the ICC.Finland has supported the ICC Trust Fund for Victims since its establishment. By contributing EUR 575,000 in 2021, Finland significantly increases its support from previous years and becomes one of the largest donors of the Trust Fund for Victims.
NordenBladet — The Government has adopted a decree on temporary restrictions to the use of the COVID-19 passport referred to in section 58 i § of the Communicable Diseases Act.The decree will enter into force on Thursday 30 December 2021 at 00.00.By virtue of the decree, the effects of the COVID-19 passport will be temporarily restricted between 30 December 2021 and 20 January 2022, when it cannot be used as an alternative to regional restrictions on certain public events and customer premises.The decree will apply to all public events and customer premises that are subject to existing restrictions. Regional authorities will decide what restrictions are in place in their areas.The derogation to the use of the COVID-19 passport will apply to the areas of the hospital districts that meet the criteria for the community transmission phase.: These include the following hospital districts: Helsinki and Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Kanta-Häme, Pirkanmaa, Päijät-Häme, Kymenlaakso, South Karelia, South Savo, North Savo, Central Finland, Vaasa, South Ostrobothnia, Central Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Länsi-Pohja and Lapland.This temporary regulation, necessitated by the exceptional epidemiological situation, will help in safeguarding people’s right to health and wellbeing by curbing the rapid spread of the disease. Improving the vaccination coverage is the most significant means of curbing the epidemic effectively.In addition, the Ministerial Working Group on Health and Social Services decided in its meeting on 28 December that preparations concerning an amendment of the provisions on the COVID-19 passport should be started as soon as possible to enable more accurately targeted restrictions on public events and customer premises in future.The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health instructs the Regional State Administrative Agencies to examine the restrictions on public events and customer premises in their areas of operation, especially as concerns low-risk events.EDIT 29.12.2021 11:15: the press release previously stated that the restrictions to the use of COVID-19 passport start 28 December 2021. The correct starting day of the restrictions is 30 December 2021.
NordenBladet — In the 2022 county elections, eligible voters must prove their identity to an election official in the same way as in any other elections. Voters may prove their identity with a photo ID, such as an identity card, passport or driving licence issued by the police. The old cardboard driving licence may also be accepted, if the voter can be identified from the photo and the election official can thus reliably verify the voter’s identity. Voters who do not have a valid proof of identity can obtain a temporary identity card free of charge from the police for voting purposes. When identifying a voter, an election official may ask the voter to briefly remove their face mask.Instructions on safe voting during COVID-19The county elections to be held in January 2022 are the second elections that will be held in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high number of infections, the situation is different from the situation prevailing during the municipal elections last spring. In January, all eligible voters will have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, if they have chosen to. Vaccines provide effective protection especially against the most serious forms of COVID-19. According to the assessment of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, voting is a low-risk activity.The Electionsfinland.fi website contains instructions for voters on safe voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters must wear a face mask, use hand sanitiser and maintain sufficient physical distance from others at the polling station. Election officials will monitor safety at the polling stations and advise voters on how to follow the instructions. Voters may bring their own pen to the polling station if they so wish.Special measures have been planned to enable voters placed in quarantine or isolation by a doctor or having respiratory symptoms to vote. Voters can contact the central municipal election board of their municipality to ask about the special arrangements.Voters may vote either during the advance voting period from 12 to 18 January 2022 or on election day 23 January 2022.Reliable information about elections is available at www.electionsfinland.fi. Instructions for voters during COVID-19 at www.electionsfinland.fi Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL): Coronavirus COVID-19 – Latest UpdatesElectionsfinland.fi on Twitter Electionsfinland.fi on Facebook Election videos on YouTube Elections helpline: 0800 9 4770 (in Finnish) and 0800 9 4771 (in Swedish). WhatsApp service for election-related questions: 050 438 8730
NordenBladet — Internal border control will be reinstated at Finland’s borders starting on Tuesday 28 December. There will also be other changes to the restrictions on entry, and as of 28 December, the same restrictions will apply to everyone arriving in Finland from abroad. The Government decided on the new restrictions today. The decision will enter into force on 28 December at 15.00 Finnish time and will remain in force until 16 January 2022. Internal border control will be reinstated for traffic between Finland and all Schengen countries. In addition, entry restrictions and health security measures will be tightened so that from Tuesday 28 December onwards, all passengers arriving in Finland from abroad will be required to present proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past six months, along with a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken less than 48 hours prior to arrival.Until 31 December 2021 this requirement will apply to those born in 2005 or earlier, and as of 1 January 2022, to those born in 2006 or earlier.Exceptions for residents of border communities and people arriving in ÅlandAs an exception to the above, residents of border communities at Finland’s land border with Sweden and Norway as well as persons travelling between the Swedish municipality of Norrtälje and the province of Åland may enter Finland if they have proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, proof of recovery from COVID-19 less than six months prior to entry, or a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days prior to entry.Finnish citizens not required to present a negative test resultA negative COVID-19 test result will not be required from Finnish citizens, foreigners residing permanently in Finland, or persons who have an essential reason for entry, such as compelling family matters or another compelling personal reason. However, all passengers are required to present certificates laid down in the Communicable Diseases Act and comply with the decisions made by the regional state administrative agencies on compulsory health examinations.Finnish travellers should note that while they are allowed to enter Finland without a test, other countries and airlines may have their own testing requirements.
NordenBladet — The Ministry for Foreign Affairs has prepared a draft government proposal for amending the Aliens Act, which has now been sent out for comments. The comments are to be submitted by 18 January 2022.According to the proposal, a new section would be added to the Aliens Act, laying down provisions on the security features of visas and that the Digital and Population Data Services Agency would create a certificate for digital seals in visas.The certificate for digital seals in visas will protect visas against alterations, thus ensuring their authenticity and integrity. The Data Matrix barcode symbology, i.e. 2D barcode, must be used in the digital seal.The amendment would implement the Commission Implementing Decision issued under Council Regulation laying down a uniform format for visas, according to which digital seals must be added to visas.This would make it possible to compare the recorded data in the visa of the visa holder with data in the digital seal in border controls, thus ensuring the authenticity of the visa and integrity of the data. This would be effective especially when the visa is inspected in patrol duties outside the actual border control points.The request for comments has been targeted at certain recipients, but opinions of other parties on the proposed amendments are also welcome. Read the proposal for amendments at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi (in Finnish).
NordenBladet — The Government decided to reintroduce internal border control at Finland’s borders starting on Tuesday 28 December. The Government will decide on the new restrictions at its session on Tuesday 28 December 2021. The decision will enter into force immediately and remain in force until 16 January 2022.Updated information based on the new guidelines on entry into Finland will be available on the website of the Border Guard. The guidelines will be confirmed by a government decision 28 December 2021. In the meantime, changes to the guidelines are possible.Travellers should note that even though Finland does not require a negative test result from a Finnish citizen upon arrival in Finland, many countries, airlines and shipping companies may have their own testing requirements as a condition for entry into a country. Travellers must be active and contact the authorities of the country of destination, shipping company or airline concerned to find out which certificates are required.The Finnish Border Guard:Instructions valid until 27 December 2021Guidelines for border traffic as of 28 December 2021
NordenBladet — Christmas always seems to come by stealth in the middle of the busiest time of year. We rush to get our work done, to fix up the home and get it ready for the festivities. But what if we learned some tolerance for unfinished business, and accepted that we’ve done enough already? When daily life stops for a while and we get to take a break, then the Yuletide season can bring much-needed peace of mind.Christmas is a blend of old and new traditions that arouses shared and individual memories. There are sounds and smells and flavours; simple things that we have learned to appreciate even more amidst the ongoing pandemic. As the world around us changes, Christmas feels familiar and safe. Maybe that’s the true magic of the season.Even though many familiar Christmas traditions and customs date back only a few decades or began as little as a century ago, the midwinter feast was celebrated at these latitudes long before our modern Christmas took on its present form and meaning. It was as if we had an age-old need to stop working, calm down and celebrate when the longest night of the year was finally behind us.Christmas has come around again this year, just as spring will follow the winter.The last two years have called for patience, adaptation and flexibility. Many people have lost loved ones, or been concerned for their own health or that of a family member. Christmas may also be overshadowed by worries about work and livelihood as a renewed need for restrictions has arisen.We have yet to discover what next year will bring, but I want to believe that better times are coming. Vaccines have brought a measure of security, and they remain the most important and effective way to fight the pandemic. We should protect ourselves and care for one another.I sincerely hope that everyone has time at Christmas to pause for at least a moment and enjoy the festivities. Each in accordance with our own heritage, or boldly creating new traditions. I personally look forward to spending peaceful time together with my family and loved ones.Christmas is an opportunity to rest, extend a helping hand, reflect on things past, and consider the future. Together, we can get through anything that life throws at us.I wish you all a peaceful and joyous Christmas season!
NordenBladet — The COVID-19 pandemic has affected tourism in many ways, and even experienced travellers may encounter unexpected situations. We recommend that you plan and find out about matters in advance to make sure that your journey proceeds as planned. The Consular Services of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs approaches travellers in a letter with a number of tips on how to cope in various situations. Each country makes its own decisions on the entry of travellers and the conditions for entry. Airlines and shipping companies may also have their own regulations and restrictions for travellers. Always check the information before travelling.Dear reader,Countries around the world are affected by COVID-19 to a different extent and variants of the virus come and go. Restrictions are lifted and reintroduced – often very quickly without early warning. If you are transiting to your travel destination through several countries, you may find that practices vary from country to country. Airlines and shipping companies may also have their own regulations and restrictions for travellers. It may be difficult for travellers to find and understand the rules.Each country makes its own decisions on the entry of travellers and the conditions for entry. Countries may also impose restrictions that everyone staying in its territory – including travellers – must follow. Failure to comply with them may lead to fines or other measures. Please contact the authorities of your country of transit or destination for more information. Always check the information before travelling.If necessary, contact the nearest embassy of your country of destination. You can find a list of missions of foreign states in Finland at the Ministry’s website. When you are making travel plans, please visit Re-open EU (europa.eu) to get the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in the EU and on the various restrictions in place.
NordenBladet — Finnish citizens who reside in a wellbeing services county and reach the age of 18 years on election day 23 January 2022 at the latest are entitled to vote in the county elections.In addition, those citizens of other EU Member States, Iceland and Norway who have a municipality of residence in a wellbeing services county in Finland are also entitled to vote. Other foreign citizens are entitled to vote if they have had a municipality of residence in a wellbeing services county in Finland for an uninterrupted period of at least two years. Further information on the determination of the right to vote is available on the Electionsfinland.fi website.Eligible voters will receive a notice of right to vote in December. The notice will be sent in electronic format to those eligible voters who have activated the Suomi.fi Messages service and given their consent for all official messages to be sent to them electronically.It is easy to find out your polling station and wellbeing services countyThe elections to be held on Sunday 23 January 2022 are the first county elections in Finland. In the elections, representatives for the county councils will be elected. The county councils will be responsible for organising healthcare, social welfare and rescue services in the wellbeing services counties from the beginning of 2023. The county councils will start their work on 1 March 2022.There are 21 wellbeing services counties. The division into counties is based on the current division into regions with the exception of the region of Uusimaa, which includes four wellbeing services counties. The residents of Helsinki will not vote in the county elections, because Helsinki does not form a wellbeing services county nor does it belong to any of the counties. Another exception is Åland, which is not affected by the health and social services reform.In the county elections, voters may only vote for a candidate standing for election in their wellbeing services county. The wellbeing services county in which a voter is entitled to vote is determined based on their municipality of residence. Voters can check which wellbeing services county their municipality belongs to on the Electionsfinland.fi website.On election day, 23 January 2022, voters may only vote at the polling station mentioned in the notice of right to vote sent to them, whereas during the advance voting period from 12 to 18 January 2022, voting is possible at any of the general advance polling stations.The voting register for the 2022 county elections to be held in January was compiled based on the information contained in the Population Information System on 3 December 2021. If an eligible voter has moved after 3 December, the wellbeing services county in which they are entitled to vote and their election day polling station are determined based on the previous place of residence.General polling stations for county elections in the Information and Result Service of the Ministry of JusticeInformation about county elections and voting – Electionsfinland.fiInstructions for voters during COVID-19 – Electionsfinland.fi
Each country makes its own decisions on the entry of travellers and the conditions for entry. Airlines and shipping companies may also have their own regulations and restrictions for travellers. Always check the information before travelling.