Omicron, the most mutated form of coronavirus detected so far, fuels domestic headlines on Monday.

According to Finnair, the incident did not affect passengers. The fate of Monday's return flight remained unclear.

More travellers are expected to arrive at Helsinki Airport from southern Africa next week.

This weekend launches the second Covid-era Christmas season in many Finnish towns, with holiday markets and Advent church services.

Asko Järvinen, head of infectious diseases at Finland's largest health care provider, says that while the new Omicron variant causes uncertainty, most people should be able to gather for the holidays as usual.

Regional authorities have ordered Vantaa to immediately organise Covid tests for all passengers arriving at Helsinki Airport who have recently been in countries where Omicron has been found. 

The educational level of young people in Finland has deteriorated rapidly, warns the social affairs and health federation.

There are no direct flights between Finland and southern Africa, but passengers can arrive from the region via connecting routes.

Passengers over age 16 will have to show a pass to be served aboard trains as of Sunday.

The committee's report stated that the needs of military national defence do not justify conscription of the entire age group.

Opposition parties had submitted a motion of no confidence in the government over the possible threat of a hybrid operation at Finland's borders.

The B.1.1.529 Covid variant has been found to have an unusually high number of mutations.

Broader use of Covid passes could help restaurants avoid the tightened restrictions. 

Communications agency Traficom says that people in Finland received 70,000 malicious messages within one day, and predicts that the number will rise.

The poll suggested that fur farms operate in an unacceptable way, according to more than two thirds of respondents.

The plane turned back shortly after take-off.

The press continues to follow stories about Covid, after several developments on Thursday.

European public service media companies are part of a co-ordinated effort to exchange text-based content and thereby increase understanding between Europeans. 

Thursday marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Take-home pay for gig workers, foreign name discrimination and the pitfalls of excessive consumerism headline this week's show.

Restaurants and bars can however continue to operate free from restrictions if they require the Covid pass at all times.

This year's event had been intended to honour Finland's healthcare professionals.

Finland registered over 1,340 coronavirus infections on Thursday, a new record high number of daily cases.

More than a dozen people were killed every year in Finland during the 1990s by accidents involving elk, but this figure has now dropped to between one and four per year.

The mercury dropped to -32.2℃ in Utsjoki on Wednesday.

The 1.6-kilometre tunnel is estimated to cost approximately 180 million euros.

Financial group Nordea has launched an internal investigation into a controversial investment analysis that was accused of blatantly promoting anti-vaccine views.

The events industry says that current patchwork coronavirus restrictions by regional authorities are confusing, and that the Covid pass should be quickly introduced throughout the country.

Polar night has begun in northernmost Finland, where the sun will not reappear until mid-January.

A recovery in the forest products industry will boost the Finnish economy most through the end of next year, according to Etla Economic Research.