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Masks do not have to be worn in schools.

THL: The mask recommendation does not apply to school transport

Release
21.8.2020 12:58
Visits to schools should be avoided during the corona period.

Last week, THL issued a face mask recommendation for people over 15 years of age, for example in public transport and in situations where safety intervals cannot be observed. The recommendation applies to the hospital districts in which new corona infections have been detected within two weeks. The recommendation also applies to South Karelia.

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

Established communities, i.e. the same groups that meet repeatedly, are also excluded from the recommendation at this stage. Consequently, no mask recommendation was given to schools. 

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

THL clarified on Wednesday 19.8. that basic education was not given the recommended use of a mask during school transports or in teaching-related situations where you move outside the school premises.

For children under the age of 15, using the mask according to the instructions can be difficult or even harmful if used incorrectly. Therefore, the recommendation does not apply to children under 15 years of age.

Eksote is preparing to distribute masks to the needy

The purchase of masks is mainly the responsibility of the users themselves. South Karelia's social and health district Eksote will distribute free masks to low-income people.

More information about this will be provided later.

No outsiders for schools now

The city of Imatra hopes that outsiders would not visit the school centers without a necessary reason.

─ For example, Finland's largest wooden school is of interest, and it will be presented to the townspeople after the corona situation calms down, but now due to the corona, we hope for patience. School visits must be agreed with the staff, the head of welfare services Arja Kujala says.

Premises agreed evening users, such as course participants of the labor college and clubs using the sports facilities, will be instructed separately on the use of the facilities. All users of the wood school (pupils, staff and clients of the counseling center and youth service and evening users) are advised to take care of good hand hygiene and, if possible, safety intervals. 

 

For more information:

Head of Welfare Services Arja Kujala, phone: 020 617 2227, Arja Kujalaatimatra.fi (kujala[at]imatra[dot]fi)