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:
  • The Ministry for Foreign Affairs: travelling
  • The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL: Travel and the coronavirus epidemic
  • The Ministry of the Interior: travelling
  • Announcements by the Regional State Administrative Agency (in Finnish)

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.

You and I are respon­si­ble for our health!