It will be prohibited from entering and leaving the Finnish countryside of Nyland, where the capital Helsinki is located. This was announced by the Finnish government at a press conference on Wednesday evening.

- It has become necessary to impose restrictions on freedom of movement, says Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

However, there are some exceptions, for example everyone can go home to the place where they live. The new restrictions will apply for three weeks, until 19 April.

The reason is that the region of Uusimaa, with almost 1.7 million inhabitants, has had the majority of the disease cases and it is hoped that the restrictions can counteract the spread of infection.

880 coronary cases so far

Practically, it is the police tasked with enforcing the restrictions.

"But the hope is that people will follow this voluntarily," said Interior Minister Maria Ohisalo.

The government also appeals to all pubs to close taverns, nightclubs and cafes for customers. According to Prime Minister Sanna Marin, the idea is that restrictions will apply soon.

So far, 880 coronary cases and three deaths due to the virus have been confirmed in Finland.