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HEALTH-VIRUS-FINLAND
Hundreds protest virus measures in Finland, Sweden
HELSINKI, May 1, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Crowds gathered in the capitals of
Finland and Sweden on Saturday as hundreds marched in protest over
their governments’ measures to limit the spread of Covid-19.
A protest in Helsinki that drew around 300 participants resulted in
about 50 arrests, Finnish police tweeted.
Organisers of the event in the centre of the capital announced
there would be only six participants, the current limit on public
gatherings due to the pandemic.
Those arrested for failing to obey police orders were fined, and
the crowd was otherwise dispersed by police without major incident.
Finland has one of Europe’s lowest infection rates, though a rise
in cases in mid-February led to new restrictions, such as restaurant
closures.
In Stockholm between 500 and 600 people marched with banners
demanding “freedom and truth”, in an event that lasted more than two
hours despite police attempts to disperse the crowd.
Unlike other European countries, Sweden opted for months not to
impose strict measures on its population at the start of the pandemic,
issuing guidance in the form of recommendations instead.
In November, however, facing a significant second wave of
infections, Sweden capped public gatherings at eight participants and
forced cafes, bars and restaurants to close at 8:30 p.m.
BSS/AFP/MRU/2318hrs