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The time of the voluntary quarantine can be shortened if the results of two tests for the coronavirus turn out to be negative.

Eksote handles the distribution of face masks to the needy

Release
14.8.2020 16:55
The mask recommendation does not apply to kindergartens, schools or hobby groups.

THL issued a face mask recommendation on Thursday for those hospital districts in whose area new corona infections have been detected within two weeks. Since there is one new infection in Lappeenranta, the recommendation applies to the whole of South Karelia.

Proper use of a face mask can reduce infections by preventing droplets from spreading to the environment. Use is recommended in the following situations and for the following people:

  • In public transport, where close contact cannot always be avoided. 
  • People apply for a coronavirus test on the way to sampling and before the test result is ready, if there is a necessary reason to move outside the home.
  • Travelers arriving in Finland from the risk area when they move from the point of entry to quarantine or if they have a necessary reason to move outside their home during quarantine. 

According to the recommendation of the regional authority, the face mask can also be used in other situations where avoiding close contact is not possible.

This mask recommendation does not apply to work communities for which it acts as an expert institution Institute of Occupational Health.

Not suitable for children

The recommendation applies to people aged 15 and older. According to THL, the face mask is not suitable for children.

Spaces and situations where the same, mutually familiar group repeatedly gathers indoors for a longer period of time are excluded from the recommendation at this stage. These include, for example, daycare centers and schools and various hobby groups.

THL has not recommended the use of face masks in secondary education. In upper secondary education and vocational education, a mask can be used if desired in training at an educational institution in those situations where compliance with safety intervals is not possible.

You can read the instructions of the Ministry of Education and Culture for schools and early childhood education regarding the corona from here.

The city reminds thatä three basic rules must be followed in all public places and events. You only go there if you are asymptomatic, keep safe distances and take care of hand hygiene, reminds the head of the welfare services of the city of Imatra Arja Kujala.

As a rule, you have to get the masks yourself

The national recommendation is that citizens purchase face masks themselves.

The aim is to start the distribution of face masks to the needy in the Eksote area during the next week - the matter will be announced again as soon as the distribution has been organized. The current infection situation in the South Karelia region does not require immediate action regarding face masks.

Public traffic

The city of Imatra would like to remind you that cycling and walking are good options for movement this fall. However, if you travel by bus, you should wear masks. With the exception of a few morning and evening shifts, Imatra's buses have plenty of space and the safety intervals are easy to implement.

In school transport, the mask recommendation applies to pupils and students aged 15 and older. In this regard, more detailed instructions will be sent via Wilma next week.

How to use the mask?

There are many types of face masks: different masks made by yourself or purchased from shops made of fabric or other materials.

The face mask is not an actual respirator, and it does not effectively protect the wearer. The effectiveness of face masks is partly based on the fact that as many people as possible use them properly. 

Putting on and removing the face mask requires care, so that a mask possibly stained with the virus does not cause a risk of infection. The mask must always be handled with clean hands.

The mask should not be used if it makes breathing unreasonably difficult or there are other health-related reasons that prevent the use of the mask. If necessary, talk to the attending physician if your health condition makes it difficult to use a face mask.  

 

For more information:

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

Facilities and security manager Sami Turunen, tel. 020 617 4450, sami.turunenatimatra.fi (sami[dot]turunen[at]imatra[dot]fi)