Finland PM Sanna Marin apologises for nightclubbing after Covid contact

Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin arrives for an EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Photo / AP

The world's youngest Prime Minister has apologised for going clubbing after coming into contact with a Covid case.

Finland PM Sanna Marin issued a statement after a night out in Helsinki. It was reported by local media the country's leader was out on the town until 4am.

The 36-year-old went out to dinner and drinks just hours after her Foreign Minister had tested positive for the virus.

Marin was initially told she did not need to isolate because she had been fully vaccinated, but later missed a text that advised her to do so.

She apologised in a statement posted on Facebook.

"I am very sorry for not understanding that I needed to do that," she said.

Marin explained she had missed the text message which was sent to her government phone, not the personal phone she had on her.

At first, she defended her actions.

She said she had followed the advice of her secretary of state, who informed her about the Covid exposure.

Under Finland's Covid guidelines, anyone who is fully vaccinated does not need to isolate if they come into contact with a positive case.

However, they are advised to voluntarily avoid social contact if they are waiting for a Covid test.

There is a separate set of rules for government ministers and employees who are recommended to avoid social contact immediately after being exposed to the virus.

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin meets with media outside the Finnish Parliament building in Helsinki, Finland, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. Photo / AP

Marin, who was elected two years ago when aged 34, faced criticism about her night out after a local gossip magazine published photos of her at the Helsinki venue.

The lashing has mostly come from the opposition who claim it was irresponsible of her and she should have been setting a better example.