Eksote informs: in South Karelia 15.10. current recommendations

South Karelia's regional COVID-19 situational group has stated at the 15.10.2020 October XNUMX meeting: The coronavirus epidemic is at a basic level in South Karelia. The three phases of an epidemic are the basic level, the acceleration phase and the spreading phase

The situational image group has decided to keep the recommendations and restrictions in effect on October 8.10.2020, XNUMX. No new recommendations or restrictions were issued this week.

The working group reminds the population of the area to observe the safety intervals and to wash their hands carefully and often enough or, if necessary, to wash their hands. The mask recommendation is valid in the area according to the basic level. The Department of Health and Welfare has set recommendations according to the different stages of the epidemic. In addition, until the end of the year, South Karelia has a mask recommendation for events and public gatherings. The working group hopes that South Karelia will carefully follow the instructions on corona prevention.

The use of face masks in the area is still low

Attention should be paid to the use of face masks, especially when moving around in shops and shopping centers, during indoor activities and other leisure activities, public transport and private parties. For example, weddings, big birthdays and graduations are considered private parties.

- Now is a good time to practice using the mask and get used to working with it in different situations, encourages the chairman of the working group Tuula Karhula. The chairman of the working group, Karhula, is the director of health and elderly services of the South Karelia social and health district (Eksote).
- This week, masks have started to appear in South Karelia clearly more than before. I would like to thank the residents of the area who use them and the tourists who spend their autumn holidays here for their responsible behavior. These recommendations have been put into effect so that we all have a safe chance to continue our lives during this prolonged disruption.

Employers have also shown their responsibility in the region by increasing the use of plexiglass, face masks or visors in customer service situations.
- However, there is still room to improve the situation. The risk of coronavirus infection is always higher where people move and work in close contact, confirms Eksoten's safety and preparedness manager Kristiina Kapulainen.

The situation in the rest of Finland and the restrictions and recommendations valid in the regions of other hospital districts can be seen on the website of the Institute of Health and Welfare under the section Situation of regions. The link to the page can also be found on Eksoten's page www.eksote.fi/koronavirus

The phase of the current epidemic in South Karelia is determined by the infectious disease authorities together with the region's COVID-19 situational picture group. South Karelia's COVID-19 snapshot group includes representatives from South Karelia's social and health district, municipalities, the Department of Health and Welfare, the regional administration agency and the ELY center. In addition to the number and growth of infections, defining the stage of the epidemic is also influenced by, for example, the ability to explain the chains of infection and whether the infections originate from one's own area or from elsewhere. The epidemic situation can change quickly locally or regionally, even if the national situation is calm. The regional COVID-19 situation picture group meets weekly or more often if necessary.
 

More information for the media:

Tuula Karhula, chairman of the snapshot group, director of health and elderly services, phone 040 194 4936, wind.bearexote.fi (tuula[dot]karhula[at]eksote[dot]fi)

Kristiina Kapulainen, secretary of the situation picture group, safety and preparedness manager (Eksote), phone 040 651 1791, kristiina. kapulainenexote.fi (kristiina[dot]kapulainen[at]eksote[dot]fi)