HELSINKI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Support for the Finnish Social Democratic Party (SDP), which leads Finland's current coalition government, has risen to 24.1 percent in a latest poll published on Friday.

The poll, commissioned by the Alma Media Group, showed a 3 percent increase for the SDP from the last poll, while the leading opposition party the Finns Party suffered a two percent decline. Within the coalition, the Centre Party made a small gain to 12.9 percent, while the Green League lost some ground.

The number of COVID-19 infections in Finland has reached 5,051 on Friday, while death toll rose to 218, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. A total of 185 people were reported to be hospitalized, 49 in intensive care units.

The coalition government is to discuss on Sunday the way forward. Most current decrees on restrictions will expire on May 13 and would require decisions well ahead.

The closing of restaurants is valid until the end of May. Finnish borders are closed to foreigners and returning Finns must place themselves in isolation for two weeks. Finland cannot prevent its citizens from leaving the country though. The government has decided this past week that classes one to nine in the school system could return to classroom work in mid-May.

Meanwhile, Finland observed the May Day holiday on Friday. In Finland it is also a spring festival and a day for student merrymaking. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic all events were arranged on the internet only. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)