A woman and a mask — The mask recommendation is still valid.

Situation group: the lifting of restrictions is planned cautiously and gradually

The restrictions have pushed South Karelia's infection rates down.

The number of infections in South Karelia has decreased, and the reason for this is considered to be the carefully followed recommendations and restrictions in the region.

- I thank the people of South Karelia for their care. Here, it can now be seen statistically that the area has been obediently acting according to the given instructions. When we continue to follow the recommendations as carefully as possible, we will be able to keep the number of infections still decreasing and we can gradually begin to dismantle the restrictions and recommendations, says the chairman of the snapshot group Tuula Karhula.

Recommendations and restrictions are given both regionally and nationally, so that both South Karelia and Finland can deal with the corona crisis with as little damage as possible.

- These various measures aim to protect everyone's health. When there are many infections, there is a risk that not everyone will receive the treatment they need. Decisions regarding recommendations are not made based on health alone, but the whole situation is always taken into account. We have to reconcile the epidemic situation and the effects on, for example, the economy and people's well-being, explains Karhula.

Restrictions and recommendations have a common denominator, they aim to reduce encounters between people.

- Limiting physical contacts is the surest way to reduce infections and the spread of the disease. The British variant of the coronavirus, which is in power in Finland and also here in South Karelia, does not care about the definition of close contact from a year ago. This virus variant does not necessarily require a 15-minute exposure, but you should be patient with all people outside your immediate circle, if possible, keep a safety distance of more than two meters and remember to use a mouth-nose cover.

Allergies or corona?

It can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a coronavirus infection from a spring pollen allergy. It is recommended to start allergy medication early this spring. According to the interview given to MTV Uutis by Asko Järvinen, the chief infectious disease doctor in Hus, the risk of corona disease is higher in people with allergies, because allergies also increase the risk of getting an infection. Even people with allergies should apply for the corona test with a low threshold.

If the symptoms are new or atypical for you, your child or young person and match an infection, you should immediately stay at home and apply for a corona test. You can also suffer from the coronavirus disease without symptoms or with very mild symptoms.

You must not go to daycare, school, work or, for example, a store or pharmacy when you are sick, but you must wait for the symptoms to end at home even after the corona test.

If the symptoms are typical for you, your child or young person, recur every year, remain unchanged, or allergy medication has a clear effect on them, repeated testing for the coronavirus is not necessary.

With allergy symptoms, it is allowed to go to daycare, school and the workplace, for example.

Source and additional information: https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/miten-erottaa-allergia-koronasta-infektioylilaakari-antaa-helpon-nyrkkisaannon-silloin-kannattaa-hakeutua-testiin/8103484

Mask recommendation in effect

In the area of Eksote, there is an extensive mask recommendation in accordance with THL's instructions. In South Karelia, the mask recommendation is valid for everyone over the age of 12. In addition, regionally, a mask recommendation has been given regarding school rides for over 12-year-olds, as well as the possibility for schools to, by their own decision, recommend the use of masks for under-12-year-olds in grades 1–6, if the school deems masks necessary due to the epidemic situation. The child can also use the mask at the discretion of their guardian, of their own volition, within the limits of their skills.

- This is a recommendation and it is good to take this into account and there should be no pressure for the use of masks by children under the age of 12 in schools. In the case of small children, it must be assessed separately whether the child can independently use the mask hygienically. You must know how to put on and take off the mask in such a way that the risk of infection does not increase due to improper use of the mask. If the mask or face is touched unnecessarily, there is a risk that viruses will spread through the hands. It is good to encourage children to take care of safety intervals and to continue to give instructions on careful hand washing at home, advises Karhula.

There is no national mask recommendation for children under the age of 12. THL's mask recommendation applies to people over 12 years old.

A face mask is one way to prevent the spread of coronavirus infections. In addition to the mask recommendation, it is of primary importance to follow safety intervals whenever possible, wash your hands, cough into your sleeve or a disposable tissue, and avoid touching your face. If you have symptoms, you should not go to work or school, but should avoid social contacts and apply for a corona test immediately.

Hobby activities are gradually liberalized

Children's and young people's hobby activities will be made possible gradually, as the epidemic situation allows. Likewise, the need to keep Section 58 g of the Infectious Diseases Act in force is regularly reviewed. If the number of infections continues to decrease and the situation improves, restrictions will be lifted in South Karelia as of April 19 as follows:

2008 and younger:
- Recreational activity within a limit of 10 people including instructor(s)
- Recreational activity outside Limit of 20 people including instructor(s)
Those born between 2007 and 2001:
- Recreational activity outside Limit of 20 people including instructor(s)
Sports Academy:
- Outdoor training is allowed
All exercises to be released must be able to be organized in such a way that all enthusiasts are more than 2 meters away from each other. Without exception, the safety distance must be maintained throughout the hobby activity.
Match/performance activity everything is still on hiatus. Practice games are not allowed.
No changing rooms may use.

In the national exit strategy, children's and young people's hobby activities are more widely opened in outdoor spaces in May. The regional administrative agency makes decisions on the validity of section 58 g of the Infectious Diseases Act based on the regional disease situation.

More information for the media:

Tuula Karhula, chairman of the snapshot group, director of health and elderly services, Eksote, tel. 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)

Recommendations valid in South Karelia

The following recommendations are valid in South Karelia between April 1.4.2021, 30.4.2021 and April XNUMX, XNUMX, unless otherwise stated. The necessity of the recommendations is assessed weekly at the situational group meeting. The recommendations are valid for the authorities, the population, the operators of activities and the organizers of education. It is also hoped that private operators will follow the corresponding recommendations given to the area.

Section 58 d of the Infectious Diseases Act:

The Regional Administrative Agency of Southern Finland obliges operators in the Eksote area to ensure that people do not come into close contact with each other in the premises intended for customers and participants. The order is based on the new section 58 d of the Infectious Diseases Act and is valid from April 1.4 to April 30.4.2021, XNUMX. More information on AVI's website: https://avi.fi/yleistiedoksiannot

Section 58 g of the Infectious Diseases Act:

The decision regarding the closing of facilities pursuant to section 58 g of the Infectious Diseases Act is valid from April 1.4 to April 23.4.2021, XNUMX, and it extends to both public and private sector facilities. More information on AVI's website: https://avi.fi/yleistiedoksiannot

Private events:

A gathering limit of six people is valid for private events.

Public events and general meetings:

There is a gathering limit of six people.

Mask recommendation:

The mask recommendation is valid in public transport, including school rides and taxi drivers and passengers.

Otherwise, the mask recommendation for the spread phase is valid according to THL instructions for people over 12 years old:

Persons applying for a coronavirus test on the way to sample collection 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.
In primary schools from the sixth grade and in secondary educational institutions (including upper secondary schools) and universities
In all work communities, as well as in the indoor spaces of hobby and volunteer activities, if more than one person works and stays in the same space.
In public indoor spaces and public events (Shops and shopping centers, post offices, banks, libraries and other similar indoor spaces / Spaces used for exercise or sports and their monitoring (at least public spaces and changing rooms) / Swimming pools, spas and saunas (public spaces and changing spaces) / Churches and others facilities of religious communities / Concert halls and other facilities used for the performance of live music / Cinemas and other facilities used for the presentation of films and other similar audiovisual works / Museums and galleries / Amusement and theme parks and attractions if indoor / Facilities used for gambling and betting services)

Customer service points must be equipped with protective plexes. For those working in customer service, the employer must distribute masks or protective visors to employees who have to work less than 2 meters away from other people.

Organization of teaching:

In South Karelia, classroom teaching has returned on April 12.4. from both the upper grades of basic education and the secondary level gradually. The teaching organizers inform about the teaching arrangements.

Early childhood education and basic education for grades 1–6 will continue as before.

The regional situation picture group recommends the following additional measures for teaching activities until 30.4.2021 April 1 in grades 6–XNUMX:

In the joint teaching groups of the schools, face-to-face teaching is abandoned. There have been joint teaching groups, for example, in A2 language groups. The teaching of these groups is recommended to be organized using remote connections or applied. The goal is that infections would not spread from one school to another due to teaching arrangements.
It is recommended to put the activities of traveling teachers on hold. Teachers basically teach in their own schools.
Within the school, it is recommended that teaching be organized so that the class's own teacher teaches all subjects, if possible, even if the contents have to be applied.
Schools can, by their own decision, recommend masks for use in grades 1–6 as well, if they consider masks necessary. However, in the case of small children, it must be assessed separately whether the child can independently use the mask hygienically. You must know how to put on and take off the mask in such a way that the risk of infection does not increase due to improper use of the mask. If the mask or face is touched unnecessarily, there is a risk that viruses will spread through the hands.

The mask recommendation is valid for everyone over the age of 12 and on all school rides.

Teaching organizers are also given a mask recommendation on school transport. The organizer of the lesson will provide masks for the children and young people who are being transported to school. Other children and young people using public transport get the masks themselves.

Nationally, the government recommends that higher education institutions switch to distance education, however, taking into account the needs of essential close-in education.

Teaching at Citizens College is suspended to the extent that it is not possible to implement it as distance learning.

Public spaces:

The situation picture group recommends municipalities to close public facilities to the public.

Museums and youth facilities are recommended to be closed. If necessary, the youth facilities can be used for individual meetings, as well as the operation of the Cockpits can be continued with a limit of 6 people.

Regarding libraries, they are allowed to continue lending and returning activities in accordance with the restrictions, it is not recommended to continue the operation of library cars. Libraries' events have already been canceled and their lounges, such as the magazine rooms, have been recommended to be closed.

You are only allowed to do business in the library for the time necessary for taking care of things, and we ask that you prefer advance reservations. Library customers are strongly advised to wear a mask.

According to the recommendation of the situational group, swimming pools and sports facilities are still allowed to be used for activities according to the curriculum and for the implementation of group hobby activities for those born in 2008 or younger and for the use of top athletes.

Travel:

Travel between Finland and Russia should be avoided.

It is recommended to avoid all movement to areas in the spreading phase. Travel should be avoided.

The government recommends avoiding unnecessary travel to countries other than countries that are not subject to entry restrictions. Quarantine matters related to travel, the latest travel information and up-to-date instructions can be found on the pages of those responsible for the matter:

THL: Traveling and the coronavirus pandemic >>

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Latest travel information >>

Self-imposed quarantine

THL advises: If you arrive in Finland from a country that is red or gray in the traffic light model, we recommend a 14-day self-imposed quarantine upon arrival in Finland. It is recommended that you do not go to the workplace or anywhere else outside the home, but stay at home. This is how you protect others from infection. Agree with your employer on the operating procedures for 14 days after your return from the trip.

It is recommended that the child does not participate in early childhood education while he is in self-imposed quarantine. It is recommended that a child in primary education stay at home. Agree with the organizer of the lesson about the special arrangements of the lesson.

Finland abroad websites / Russia: https://finlandabroad.fi/web/rus/etusivu

Telecommuting:

All employers in South Karelia are recommended to organize remote work in all tasks where it is even temporarily possible. If remote work is not possible, it is recommended that the employer instructs the use of a face mask in all workplaces, even if keeping safety distances is possible. Meals and coffee breaks should be staggered. Business and official trips and local training events are not recommended.

The remote meeting recommendation for institutions has entered into force on February 25.2.2021, XNUMX.

Group hobbies of people born in 2008 or younger:

Children's and young people's hobby activities will be made possible gradually, as the epidemic situation allows. If the number of infections continues to decrease and the situation improves, the restrictions will be lifted in South Karelia from April 19 to April 13.4. in accordance with the published announcement. Recommendations valid for the time being as follows:

Hobby activities for children born in 2008 or younger will be allowed indoors and outdoors in small groups of no more than 10 people. The number of people includes the instructor(s) of the group. You must be able to organize the activity according to the instructions given earlier.

The group's strong recommendation is to avoid all close contact in these functions.

See detailed instructions regarding the organization of hobby activities below.

Group hobby activities for those born in 2001–2007:

All indoor and outdoor group activities of those born between 2001 and 2007 will otherwise be discontinued until April 23.4.2021, XNUMX.

In accordance with the above recommendations, instructions detailing the organization of group hobby activities born in 2008 and after:

The activity should always be organized avoiding close contact, taking into account safety distances of more than 2 meters. Groups must not mix. It is the responsibility of the organizer of the hobby activity to act in accordance with the instructions and recommendations.

We emphasize the responsibility of every operator and adult to follow the instructions of the Institute of Health and Welfare and other authorities regarding hygiene and other arrangements to prevent the spread of the virus. It is the adults' responsibility to ensure that the children also follow the instructions.

You can only participate in the activity if you are symptom-free
The recommended safety distance (at least 2 m) is observed
Good hand and coughing hygiene is followed
The cleaning instructions of the Institute of Occupational Health are taken into account
We give the necessary instructions to the participants and make sure they are followed
We will act so that those exposed in cases of illness can be traced
Regional and local restrictions and recommendations are taken into account

OKM and THL have instructed that if children's and young people's hobby activities are carried out during the spreading phase, it is very important that it is carried out only as a group's own hobby or training activity without competition events, concerts, performances, shows or other such situations where the group comes into contact with other hobby groups.

Also, the teachers, instructors and coaches should always be the same, and it is not possible for parents to stay in the hobby and dressing rooms.

Group hobby activities for adults

All group hobby activities must be suspended for everyone born in 2008 and older. Rehabilitative activities may continue if they can be carried out with safety distances of more than two meters and within the framework of other recommendations.

Adult Championship level and 1st division match and game activities:

The recommendations and decisions do not apply to professional sports, which means sports activities based on a series license agreement or the Olympic Committee's athlete agreement, as well as A national team activities when they are practiced without the presence of the public. In practice, this means limiting professional sports to elite sports, covering the two highest league levels in ball sports, adult A national team activities, and athletes preparing for international competitions through the selection system of the national sports association. The decision also does not apply to youth national team activities and the third-highest national league levels in football and ice hockey, where the players are professionals based on a written player contract. In football, this means the men's Second Division and in ice hockey, the men's Finnish series.

If the matches/games are played so-called for empty stands (there is no audience), it is not an audience event. In this case, the game is not prohibited under the order of the regional administrative agency.

If there is an audience, the regional administrative agency's regulation on the number of audiences applies to the event. Matches and games are allowed for adult SM, 1-div and U20 teams, if a South Karelian team participates in the games and matches/tournaments.

Proceedings:

It is not recommended to organize events. In South Karelia, you can organize events for less than six people, if you are able to follow the instructions of the Department of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture regarding safety distances and hygiene practices with absolute precision and in all respects.

Additional information for event organizers on the website of the Regional Administration Office: https://avi.fi/usein-kysyttya-koronaviruksesta

Instructions on preventing coronavirus infections in connection with public events and general gatherings and when using public facilities

The situation in the rest of Finland and the restrictions and recommendations valid in the areas of other hospital districts can be found at: https://valtioneuvosto.fi/tietoa-koronaviruksesta/rajoitukset-ja-suositukset/sairaanhoitopiirit . The link to the page can also be found on Eksoten's page www.eksote.fi/koronavirus