Soite’s area moves into the acceleration phase of the coronavirus epidemic
The regional COVID-19 authority task group of Central Ostrobothnia met on Wednesday 11th of August 2021 to assess the regional situation and recommendations regarding the coronavirus epidemic. The authority group outlined that the Soite area moves into the acceleration phase of the coronavirus epidemic. The authority group specified the regional recommendations regarding remote work and the face mask recommendation. The authorities also once more remind everyone of the importance of vaccinations to curb the epidemic.
The coronavirus situation in the Soite area has deteriorated rapidly over the past week. In the last 14 days, a total of 38 coronavirus infections have been diagnosed in the Soite area and the regional incidence rate over 14 days is 49/100,000 inhabitants. 1.5% of the coronavirus tests are positive. 75% of the infection chains have been traced. Last week, about 140 people were quarantined in the Soite area. There are currently no patients with coronavirus infections being treated at the Central Ostrobothnia Central Hospital.
By decision of the authority group, the situation in the Soite area will be classified as being in the acceleration phase of the coronavirus epidemic. No recommendations regarding social gatherings have been set, but the following clarifications are added to the regional recommendations:
- the face mask recommendation is updated with a recommendation to use a protective face mask also when outdoors if it is not possible to maintain safety distances
- a regionalrecommendation to work remotely from home enters into force until 30th of September 2021
All regional regulations and recommendations are listed on Soite’s coronavirus web site: https://korona.soite.fi/en/recommendations/
Instructions specifically outlined for event organizers can also be found on Soite’s coronavirus website. For events with more than 50 participants, the organizer must draw up a written plan regarding how they intend to prevent coronavirus infections. For events with more than 500 participants, the organizer must submit their plan to Soite’s infectious diseases team two weeks in advance. More information: https://korona.soite.fi/en/instructions-to-event-organizers/
In order to secure a more normal daily life as the summer holidays end, the authority task group encourages working-age people to seek out coronavirus vaccination if they have not been vaccinated yet. The coronavirus epidemic may spread at workplaces if the vaccination coverage is not high enough. Coronavirus vaccines give effective protection against the more serious forms of COVID-19. The vaccines also protect against the long-term effects of COVID-19, the so-called long COVID, which may cause prolonged tiredness, shortness of breath, cough and joint and chest pain. A coronavirus vaccination significantly reduces the secretion of the virus and its spreading from one person to another – the vaccination protects both you and your loved ones. Vaccination is associated with significantly lower risks than a coronavirus infection. Please also remember to take the second dose of the vaccine at the appointment scheduled for you.
Coronavirus vaccinations of all residents aged 12 and older are under way in the Soite area. More information about the coronavirus vaccinations: https://korona.soite.fi/en/the-coronavirus-vaccines/
The regional COVID-19 authority task group will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, 18th of August 2021, to assess the regional coronavirus situation and recommendations. If there are changes in the regional coronavirus situation, the authority task group will convene if necessary. The authority group consists of experts from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI), Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) and Soite.
Today’s coronavirus situation
Six new coronavirus infections have been confirmed in Soite’s area. The chains of infection are being investigated and the persons who have been exposed are being contact traced.
The list on possible exposure sites has been updated with the following information:
- August 6th from 10 am to 10.15 am K-Market Lampintori
- August 8th from 4 pm to 5 pm Prisma, Kokkola
Additions at 3:51 pm:
- August 6th at 7 pm - 10 pm K-Supermarket, Rautatienkatu, Kokkola
- August 7th at 5 pm -10 pm K-Supermarket, Rautatienkatu, Kokkola
- August 7th at 00 am - 05 am Kebabish Indian Masala, Kokkola
- August 7th at 00 am - 05 am Kebabish Indian Masala, Kokkola
- August 8th at 4 pm - 5 pm Lestijärven Saluuna
- August 9th at 12.45 pm - 1.00 pm Nordlab's laboratory at the central hospital, Kokkola
We ask those who have visited a possible exposure site to observe their symptoms and to seek out coronavirus testing without delay even if they only have mild symptoms. If you have visited a possible exposure site but do not have any symptoms, you do not need to contact Soite by phone. It is enough that you follow the coronavirus instructions i.e. reduce the number of close contacts as much as possible, avoid unnecessary social gatherings, are careful to use a protective mask and maintain a safety distance of at least 2 meters and maintain good hand hygiene. If you get even mild symptoms, book an appointment for coronavirus testing. Please seek out coronavirus testing even if you have already been vaccinated against the coronavirus
You can easily book an appointment for coronavirus testing through the Omaolo service online or via Soite’s Coronavirus Helpline 06 828 7499 / via the children’s hospital, phone 06 826 4444.