Just 10 percent of respondents expect the new wellbeing services counties to improve services, according to a poll by the Foundation for Municipal Development.

The "tired fugitive" was checked by a veterinarian before being transported to Korkeasaari zoo.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) told Yle that the current coronavirus situation is "very worrying" and attention must be especially paid to the capacity of Finland's healthcare system.

Some 87 people drowned in Finnish lakes and waterways during 2021's exceptionally hot summer months, which is 40 more than during the summer of 2020.

The ministerial Covid working group decided that current restrictions should remain in force until at least the end of January, as well as recommending the tightening of other measures.

The tech industry deal could serve as a template for collective agreements in other sectors.

Regional State Administrative Agencies and municipalities have the power to decide whether classes should be held remotely or not in their area of responsibility.

Police urged motorists in the capital's Haaga district to be careful.

The proposal to switch to remote learning will be discussed by a ministerial Covid woking group at a meeting scheduled for 2pm on Friday afternoon.

The Chief Physician however noted that the need for hospital and intensive care treatment has not increased in proportion to the number of cases.

However, there was a rise last year in the number of people aged 60 years and older with payment defaults.

Although the National Coalition Party (NCP) retained top spot in the latest poll, the NCP saw the biggest drop in support of any party compared to the previous voter survey.

Sales of alcohol at the S Group retail chain over the festive period were down about 10 percent on last year.

The feast day, known as loppiainen in Finnish, commemorates the wise men's arrival in Bethlehem to bring gifts to the newborn baby Jesus.

The Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) also proposed shifting focus away from contact tracing.

The far-right group members are still suspected of terrorist offences.

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.