Coronavirus in Finland. What to do with vacation?

Finland is one of the first countries in Europe to experience the coronavirus infection. However, from the moment of the first outbreak until today, the coronavirus in Finland has not been massive. The first case of coronavirus in Finland was identified on January 29.

This article will cover news about the coronavirus in Finland, namely: the number of sick and recovered, in which regions the virus was found and whether you need to go there to rest. The information provided in this article will be useful to both local residents and those who are going to visit Finland for the purpose of vacation.

The number of infected, dead and recovered in the country

The Finnish government has declared a state of emergency, as of March 20, 400 confirmed cases of coronavirus were detected. According to the comments of the National Institute of Health and Human Services, they identified 400 cases of the disease, and not a single death.

The number of infected people is changing every day due to the rapid spread of the infection and the high degree of infection. The number of cases is increasing daily, and it is expected that it will also grow. Of particular danger are people arriving from countries with an unfavorable viral situation (Italy, China, South Korea and Iran). Contact with these people should be limited. A two-week self-isolation is recommended for all persons arriving from abroad.

Doctors say that not everyone who has symptoms of infection is being tested for coronavirus, but only people from high-risk groups: those with chronic diseases, the elderly and medical workers. THL estimates that the actual number of people infected with coronavirus in Finland is likely to be 20 to 30 times higher than this figure.

Everyone with flu-like symptoms or those returning to Finland from abroad is ordered to self-isolate for 14 days, and if the condition worsens, they must immediately consult a doctor.

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to the common cold and flu. If you experience the following symptoms, you should definitely seek medical help:

• constant weakness and fatigue;
• difficulty breathing, discomfort in the lungs;
• sore throat and cough;
• elevated temperature.

Attention! Anyone who has had contact with people who have recently arrived from abroad should contact a medical facility. Do not self-medicate at home!

In which cities is the new coronavirus walking?

The Chinese coronavirus has appeared in Finland since January 29. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 infection was detected in a woman who arrived from Wuhan, where the focus of infection originated. The patient was sent to a hospital in Rovaniemi. And a week later she was discharged.

All infected are under the supervision of doctors, the majority of the disease is mild, and they are treated at home.

According to official figures, 10 patients have already recovered. This suggests that the epidemic is under control.

Coronavirus has been recorded in the following settlements: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Keski-Suomi, Kanta-Häme, Varsinais-Suomi, Northern Savo, and the southwestern region of the country.

No coronavirus infection has been detected in the rest of the country. The safety of recreation in these regions (in the north and northwest) is currently assessed as satisfactory.

Is there a coronavirus in Helsinki

Helsinki is the most populous city in the country. The population here is over 1 million people. Near the city there are airports, a railway station and a port, which receive a huge number of guests from abroad. In this regard, there are a significant number of people in hospitals, which makes the city of Helsinki the most dangerous, compared to other cities in Finland, and is not recommended for visiting.

Is there a coronavirus in Turku

The port city of Turku ranks third among the largest cities in Finland with a population of over 300,000 people. Transport links with other cities are provided by roads, railway station, airport and coastal port. Due to its proximity to Helsinki, the risk of introducing the virus into Turku is quite high. According to authorities, the virus has not been detected in the city so far.

Is there a coronavirus in Lappeenranta

Lappeenranta is not a very large city in southern Finland, located near the border with Russia. However, the city falls into the top 20 largest cities. According to official figures, not a single case of coronavirus infection has been recorded in the city.

Is there a coronavirus in Vantau

Vantaa is located in close proximity to Helsinki, so the possibility of a coronavirus infection penetrating here is quite high. And although, according to official information from the authorities, there are no cases of coronavirus here, Vantau still cannot be recommended for visiting.

Border closures and state of emergency

On March 16, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin declared a state of emergency in the country in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, as well as to protect the population and economy from the consequences of the pandemic.

The authorities are closing schools, museums, theaters and libraries for quarantine. All mass events have been canceled in the country, the activities of public organizations have been suspended.

It is forbidden to gather in groups of more than 10 people. All citizens over the age of 70 are recommended to be in home quarantine. Visits to nursing homes are also prohibited. Most employees are advised to switch to remote work. Active steps are being taken to prepare for the closure of the state border.

From March 17, 2020, the railway connection between Finland and Russia is closed. Entry restrictions will be in effect from March 19 to April 13. Public transport within the country is reducing the number of traffic, there is a reduction in staff due to a drop in demand by almost 60% due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Trains, metro and trams in Helsinki will run at increased intervals.

Finnair has canceled flights with departure dates before July. Most domestic flights, flights to Europe (France, Italy, Germany), as well as some international flights (Thailand, Singapore, Egypt, UAE) have been cancelled.

It is not recommended: to visit mass gatherings of people, to use medical masks repeatedly, to randomly buy products in stores, to panic. Those who become infected are strictly prohibited from violating quarantine and leaving the hospital, for this they face a fine and administrative liability.

Is there panic on the city streets

Despite the ban on mass events, no one forbade walking the streets of Finland, as well as visiting bars and restaurants. Hotels and ski resorts continue to receive guests, although they introduce security measures - helmets and goggles are not rented out, all equipment is disinfected after use, and the “distance” between tables in restaurants is controlled.

On Friday (March 13), the activity of residents in supermarkets was recorded. All toilet paper, cereals and meat swept off the shelves in a matter of hours. However, it is worth remembering that Friday in Finland is the day of grocery shopping for the next week, on weekends, locals do not go to the store. Apparently, many Finns decided to make purchases not for one, but for two weeks in advance.

In general, many Finns do not panic, but treat the situation with humor. A new offer has appeared for everyone: toilet paper can now be purchased in flower shops, wrapped in a wrapper (for a gift).

The Finnish authorities, referring to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), remind you of the need to observe the following precautions:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer. In addition to hands, special attention should be paid to the disinfection of gadgets, they must also be treated by wiping with wet wipes with an antibacterial effect.
2. Keep your distance and avoid hugs and handshakes. Coronavirus is transmitted by airborne droplets, so it is recommended to keep a distance of at least 1 meter.
3. Do not touch mucous membranes with your hands. When outdoors, try not to rub your eyes, lips, or nose with your hands. Virus particles can enter the body through them.
4. Cover your mouth with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing.
5. If possible, wear masks when visiting large gatherings of people.
6. Lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen your immune system, eat right. This will increase the level of resistance to viruses.

Should I travel to Finland due to the coronavirus?

From the 18th, the issue of visiting the country for tourism purposes has become irrelevant, as it became known that Finland introduces a state of emergency and restricts movement across the border from March 19th. International airports will function for the return of citizens and cargo. Rail, bus and sea links with Russia have been suspended.

All foreign citizens who are in Finland will be allowed to return to their homeland. The law on the state of emergency was introduced until April 13 and may be extended.