HELSINKI, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish government on Monday night decided to extend closures of restaurants until April 18.

Continuation of the closure was considered necessary due to the COVID-19 situation. The current COVID-19 restrictions would end next week.

On Monday, Finland recorded 430 new COVID-19 cases, with a record number of 306 people hospitalized, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

The government's proposal is to be submitted to Parliament on Tuesday.

The government also discussed further measures including restrictions of movement and legal enforcement of the use of masks, but did not reach any agreement. They planned to continue the talk on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sanna Marin said she supported the enforcement of restrictions of movement in areas including the capital Helsinki.

On March 1, the government declared a state of emergency due to the worsening situation of the pandemic. The country entered a three-week shutdown after parliament on March 9 approved a government proposal to temporarily close restaurants, bars, and cafes in most parts of the country. Enditem