Saturday. 20.04.2024

Coronavirus (koronavirus, in Finnish) hits lots of public activities. After the increase in the patients' numbers, the Irish Embassy and The International English Speakers' Association of Finland (IESAF) canceled the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The Embassy of Ireland in Finland had planned an official event 17 March (Tuesday) in Helsinki, but the event is now postponed as a ‘precautionary measure’.

Eddie Brannigan, Acting Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland to Finland said to Foreginer.fi, "As a precautionary measure, I have reluctantly decided to postpone the Embassy of Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s Day Reception, which was scheduled to take place on 17 March 2020 at the Helsinki Cathedral Crypt."

IESAF President Richard Berman confirmed to Foreigner.fi they also cancelled the St. Patrick’s Day Family Day.

Several other Irish Embassies in Europe have already announced the postponement of their St. Patrick’s Day events.

The Finnish Parliament also expanded precautionary measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus and securing parliamentary work.

Precautionary measures

There were no parliamentary meetings and seminars involving outside persons would be held so far. A maximum of five personal guests can be received at a time and only for work assignments, not for introductory visits.

Committees and parliamentary groups may invite experts as before.

For the time being, no guest groups are welcome in the Presidential Palace, the Office of the President reported on last Monday.

St. Patrick's Day celebrations cancelled due to coronavirus