The plan opens the Government's goal state in terms of dismantling restrictions and recommendations related to the COVID-19 epidemic. The guidelines are based on research data, modelling, forecasts and monitoring. Mitigation and dismantling will become possible once the epidemic situation is stable, the vaccination progresses and the epidemic declines with seasonal fluctuations.

The plan describes the principles and guidelines for gradually mitigating and dismantling restrictions and recommendations. In addition, the prerequisites for dismantling are described from an epidemiological point of view, and an indicative timetable is set for the dismantling of restrictions. The plan does not deal with after-treatment and reconstruction following the acute stage of the crisis; instead, these questions will be addressed separately later.

With the controlled dismantling of the restrictions, the Government aims to build a bridge to a time when a large proportion of the adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The dismantling will begin with those groups that have experienced particular strain as a result of the restrictions. The first priority will be to lift the restrictions on activities for children and young people, to resume outdoor group hobbies and, where possible, to reopen libraries and museums with health security arrangements in place. The Government considers it important that competent authorities in the regions draw up their own more detailed regional dismantling plans.

Due to virus variants, health-safe procedures on the borders will carry a special meaning for a long time. An electronic coronavirus certificate, which contains vaccine, test and recovery certificates, is being prepared for the My Kanta service. National access to an EU-compatible system will be examined. No decisions have currently been made on the national purpose of vaccination certificates or other similar certificates.

In communication, it is important to provide citizens, businesses and society with a view of how society will gradually open up. The situation requires everyone to act responsibly and to follow the existing restrictions and recommendations. It is the responsibility of regional and local authorities to monitor the situation and make appropriate decisions in a proactive and sufficiently extensive manner.