Regulations and recommendations
This page has been updated on the 16th of May 2022
When public events are organized, the instructions from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL are followed:
- Link: Guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus infections during public events and gatherings and during the use of public spaces (in Finnish)
- For example events where admission tickets are sold to the public should observe the guidelines issued by the Regional State Administrative Agency and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Restrictions in the Area by the Regional State Administrative Agency
There are no restrictions issued by the Regional State Administrative Agency in effect in the area. More information and answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus can be found on the website of the Regional State Administrative Agency.
Recommendations by the regional COVID-19 authority task group
Current regional coronavirus recommendations are found on this page and will be updated as needed.
Event organizers are responsible for the safety measures at the events and for the number of participants.
Recommendations regarding private gatherings and hobbies
- The regional COVID-19 group of authorities emphasizes the importance of observing safety distances and hygiene guidelines at all gatherings.
- One should attend gatherings and hobbies only if absolutely healthy.
A recommendation on the use of face masks
The recommendation on face masks by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is followed in the area.
It is recommmended that you continue to use masks in indoor public spaces and on public transport if:
- you seek treatment or a test because of suspected infection with coronavirus
- you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, but you need to move outside your home
- you know that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, for example, if someone in your family has been diagnosed with an infection, but you are not able to avoid close contacts outside your home.
- you visit a social or health care unit
- you belong to a risk group and are in a premises where close contact cannot be avoided
Please note! A face mask recommendation is still in effect at Soite’s units. Staff and patients/clients should use a face mask, i.e. a surgical mask that covers the mouth and nose, in the facilities of social and health care units where patients, clients or residents are treated or examined. Such facilities are for example:
- Inpatient wards
- Outpatient clinics
- Other health care receptions, such as within the school and student health care services, occupational health care services and healthcare facilities at reception centres.
- Oral health care facilities
- Mental health care facilities
- Therapy facilities, for example facilities for physiotherapy
- Maternity and child health clinics
- Diagnostics facilities, for example laboratories, facilities for imaging
- Institutional and housing services, such as group homes, housing service units, assisted living facility, and units for substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health rehabilitation clients
Surgical face masks are in use at all facilities visited by patients or their loved ones, including in the lobbies and corridors.
Links:
Instructions on the correct use of face masks
Coronavirus safety in the workplace
- It is recommended that employers utilise a so called hybrid model where some of the work is, if possible, done remotely in turns, so that only some of the personnel is present at the workplace at the same time.
- It is recommended that meetings are also held according to the hybrid model, i.e. partly remotely
- The employer is responsible for coronavirus safety in the workplace.
- Use of face mask is required when working in social and health care.
- Workplaces are advised to spread out breaks and to maintain safe distances.
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, the special guidelines by THL (in Finnish) should be followed. Check the updated instructions regarding the unit before your visit.
Recommendations concerning travelling
- Please follow the instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL.
Instructions for people arriving from abroad
- Current border safety guidelines must be followed
- The FINENTRY service is used in Soite's area with regards to coronavirus testing for travellers
- Check the most recent instructions regarding travelling:
Stop the spread of the coronavirus:
- Take the coronavirus vaccines They protect you against the severe forms of the disease.
- If you become ill, stay at home until you are healthy. If needed, take a home test. Additional information on Soite’s coronavirus website: Do this if you suspect a coronavirus infection.
- Remember your hygiene: hands, mask, safety distances and ventilation.