Updated instructions for guardians when a child gets sick during an epidemic

When for the test?

A child's coronavirus testing should be considered if, according to the guardian's or healthcare professional's assessment, he or she has symptoms suitable for a coronavirus infection.

If the symptoms are very mild, and the child or family member is known to have not been exposed to a confirmed case of coronavirus and no one in the family has traveled during the previous 14 days, symptoms can be monitored at home without testing. However, a child with symptoms cannot go to school or early childhood education.

If a child has allergic rhinitis, occasional sneezing or if his nose starts to run when he goes outside but the symptoms stop indoors, the child can go to school or early childhood education, as long as the child is otherwise healthy. A runny nose associated only with outdoor activities, temperature changes and active movement is a common symptom and is not a sign of infection.

When can I return to treatment or school?

If the symptoms disappear completely during home monitoring, you do not need to go to the test, but you can return to school or early childhood education after one symptom-free day.

If the test is taken and the test result is negative, the child can return to school or early childhood education when he is on the mend, even if the symptoms have not completely subsided.

If the test is taken, but the result is delayed, you can return to school or early childhood education after one symptom-free day, if the child or family member is known not to have been exposed to a confirmed case of coronavirus and no one in the family has traveled during the previous 14 days.

What if someone else in the family gets sick?

One negative corona test result is sufficient for those in the same family who fell ill with a similar disease at the same time or right after. It is not necessary to test all symptomatic children in the family.

If the child's respiratory symptoms persist, he does not need to be tested repeatedly, as long as the symptom picture remains the same.

Read more about THL's instructions: https://thl.fi/fi/web/infektiotaudit-ja-rokotukset/ajankohtaista/ajankohtaista-koronaviruksesta-covid-19/lapset-ja-koronavirus

For more information:

head of welfare services Arja Kujala, tel. 020 617 2227, arja.kujalaimatra.fi (arja[dot]kujala[at]imatra[dot]fi)