Reg­u­la­tions and recommendations

on the base­line of the coro­n­avirus epi­dem­ic in Soite’s area

This page has been updat­ed on the 16th of June 2021

Cen­tral Ostro­both­nia is from 16th of June 2021 on the base­line when it comes to the epi­demi­o­log­i­cal sit­u­a­tion of the coro­n­avirus.

The Region­al State Admin­is­tra­tive Agency’s (AVI) cur­rent reg­u­la­tion regard­ing gatherings

• The Regional State Administrative Agency of Western and Inland Finland (AVI) has made a new decision on the 9th of June 2021 on restrictions regarding public events and general gatherings indoors and outdoors in Central Ostrobothnia hospital district (excepting Reisjärvi) during the period 10th of June — 22nd of June 2021. According to the decision, public events and general gatherings may be organized indoors with more than 10 participants and in enclosed outdoor spaces outdoors with more than 50 participants. A prerequisite is that the guidelines by the Ministry of Education and Culture and The Institute for Health and Welfare from the 31st of May 2021 (in Finnish) are followed. More information in the press release by the Regional State Administrative Agency (in Finnish).
• Link: Guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus infections during public events and gatherings and during the use of public spaces (in Finnish)

Rec­om­men­da­tions by the region­al COVID-19 author­i­ty task group

Cur­rent region­al coro­n­avirus rec­om­men­da­tions can be found on this page and will be updat­ed as needed.

Rec­om­men­da­tions regard­ing gath­er­ings until the 23rd of June 2021

• It is recommended that private gatherings of over 10 people are not arranged indoors. When it comes to private gatherings outdoors, the recommendation is that no more than 50 persons gather. It is recommended that masks are used indoors and that safe distances are maintained. Special attention must be paid to the size of the space, so that safe distances can be maintained.
• The organizers of events are responsible for the safety measures at the events and for keeping the number of participants within the recommendations.
• In order to reduce the number of social contacts, it is recommended that large crowds and, for example, spending time at shopping malls is avoided. Particular caution is recommended for those who belong to a risk group due to age or an underlying disease.

Rec­om­men­da­tions regard­ing hobbies

• It is recommended that hobbies in groups are moved outdoors.
• Hobbies for adults are allowed in groups of at most 10 people indoors and at most 50 people outdoors.
• Group activities for children and young people is allowed indoors in groups of 20 at most and outdoors in groups of 50 at most.
• Safe distances (2 meters) should still be maintained indoors.
• At series matches, games, tournaments and shows as well as when it comes to the size of the audience in stands, one should follow to the restrictions by the Regional State Administrative Agency on gatherings and hygiene instructions.
• Link: Reducing the coronavirus risk in sport, physical exercise, and other recreational activities (The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL)
• Link: Instructions on how to prevent coronavirus infections in camps for children and young people (The Ministry of Education and Culture and THL) (in Finnish)

Pub­lic spaces main­tained by municipalities

• Swimming halls, spas and public saunas can be opened but the coronavirus safety instructions must be followed.
• Youth centres, libraries, gyms run by the municipalities and similar facilities can be opened but the coronavirus safety instructions must be followed.
• Museums and theatres may be kept open if the Regional State Administrative Agency’s current restrictions regarding gatherings are followed.

A rec­om­men­da­tion on the use of face masks is in effect in the region

Use of a face mask is rec­om­mend­ed for all per­sons old­er than 12, even those who have been vaccinated:

• in public places such as shops and in other places outside the home
• in public transport and when transporting people who belong to a risk group
• when going to a coronavirus test
• when returning to Finland from a risk country
• face masks can also be used in other situations if it is impossible to maintain social distances.

Links:
A rec­om­men­da­tion on the use of face masks in the region
Instruc­tions on the cor­rect use of face mask

Rec­om­men­da­tion about remote work

• It is recommended that you work from home if possible.
• Workplaces are advised to spread out breaks and to maintain safe distances, as well as use face masks when meeting other people.

Pro­tect­ing the elder­ly and risk groups, rec­om­men­da­tion on more carefulness

• The elderly and risk groups should still be given particular consideration.
• During visits to hospital wards and residential units, you should follow the special guidelines by THL (in Finnish). Check the updated instructions for the unit before your visit.

Rec­om­men­da­tions for travelling

• It is recommended that all unnecessary travel abroad is avoided.

Instruc­tions for peo­ple arriv­ing from abroad

• Current border safety instructions are followed:
  • for those who come from risk countries, a certificate on a negative coronavirus test or proof of having previously had COVID-19 or a test at a border crossing point and after 72 h
  • alternatively, 14 days of self-quarantine

• If a doctor of infectious disease has put a person in quarantine, a negative test result does not end the quarantine. The decision to end a quarantine can only be made by a doctor.

Stop the spread of the coronavirus:

• If you have symptoms, stay at home and seek out coronavirus testing early and even if you have only very mild symptoms
• Use a face mask
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently
• Cough into your sleeve or into a tissue
• Keep a distance to other people - remember a safe distance of 2 meters!
• Install and use the Koronavilkku coronavirus app
• Take the coronavirus vaccine when it’s your turn

You and I are respon­si­ble for our health!