Limits on eateries, bars tighten in 6 regions

The government has decided to augment the restrictions imposed on food and beverage sellers in six regions of the country with effect from Sunday, 11 October in response to the increasing number of coronavirus infections recorded in these regions in the recent past, said the social affairs and health ministry in a press release of on Friday.

The regions are Uusimaa, Southwest Finland, Pirkanmaa, Kanta-Häme, Ostrobothnia, and South Ostrobothnia, where food and beverage service businesses must stop selling alcohol no later than 22.00 hours and must close no later than 23.00 hours.

In addition, they will not be allowed to let more than half of their normal number of customers sit inside their establishments. The restrictions will come into force at 00.00 hours on the night between Saturday, 10 October and Sunday, 11 October.

This temporary restrictions will remain in force until 31 October.

In other regions, the restrictions that came into force on 8 October will continue until further notice. Under these restrictions, food and beverage service businesses may serve alcohol until 24.00 hours and they may remain open until 01.00 hours. The number of customer seats will not be limited in other regions.

The government assesses the necessity of restrictions on food and beverage service businesses every two weeks and, if necessary, issues a new decree.