The ministry said the proposal is based on the deteriorating coronavirus situation and how it could be further affected by schoolchildren returning to classrooms.

Hiski Haukkala, Chief of Cabinet in President Sauli Niinistö's office, represented Finland in US-Nordic talks amid rising tensions over Ukraine.

Extensions and tightening of restrictions are also likely in other parts of the country, regional officials said on Wednesday.

Omicron is now behind 90 percent of new coronavirus cases in the capital area, which is struggling to keep normal hospital services running. A THL boss says a similar situation is anticipated in other parts of the country.

If the deal is approved by the Industrial Union's board, it could serve as a template for collective agreements in other sectors.

The group noted that rising cases have jeopardised the abilities of primary and specialised healthcare providers, saying that there was no sign of improvement on the horizon, at least in the coming weeks. 

The normally-annual event brings colour and light to the city during an otherwise very dark time of year.

Stuk said that the new Olkiluoto nuclear reactor can boost its output beyond five percent of its full capacity. The long-delayed unit was switched on just before Christmas.

The brothers' first appeals court hearing was to begin next week.

Yle's county election compass, available in six languages, helps you match your views with those of suitable candidates ahead of the 23 January vote.

The tax authority recommends that people check their estimated income and make necessary changes to tax rates, so the limit is not breached.

Health authorities are discussing the possibility of a shorter quarantine period, which is backed by the main employers' group.

The EU authorised a new Covid vaccine made by Novavax just before Christmas, with the US firm tentatively promising to deliver 100 million doses to European countries in the first quarter of this year.

New Covid cases are rising quickly in the region and local hospitals are feeling the strain of increasing numbers of patients needing care, according to the group of experts.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute reports normal overall average temperatures even though heat records were broken last summer.

Kouvola currently uses backup power plants that generate heat through fossil fuels.

There is more snow in store for the Pirkanmaa region and other areas on Tuesday morning.

This article explains how social and healthcare will be arranged in the capital as Helsinki residents will not vote in Finland's first ever regional elections.

Haavisto said that if the situation escalates, the West is primarily planning economic sanctions against Russia, not military intervention.

Maria Ohisalo had served as Interior Minister until her parental leave began in November.

Some of the deductions apply to the use of household cleaning services as well as other forms of household assistance, such as child or elderly care.

Consistency is key in staying fit.

The money was paid out to cover the costs of cancelling or curtailing events such as music festivals and art exhibitions.

Births in Finland were up by more than seven percent last year, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Finland.

In line with the PM's NYE message, Sauli Niinistö's New Year's speech also highlighted Finland's right to seek NATO membership.

In her New Year's message Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) said Finland can apply for Nato membership if it wants to.

Rapid Covid tests may be less effective in detecting the Omicron variant than other coronavirus strains.

Finnish President Sauli Niinistö said a phone call between the presidents of the United States and Russia conveyed some optimism that diplomacy could help ease current tensions.

Energy firms say a dispute between the Paperworkers’ Union and forest company UPM could leave some residents in the cold.

The S-Group says selling the book was a mistake.