Helsinki limits 20 people per private event

The metropolitan area coronavirus coordination group in Helsinki has recommended that private meetings of more than 20 persons be postponed or cancelled.

The group took the decision in its meeting on Thursday in the wake of increasing number of coronavirus outbreak, said a press release of the City of Helsinki on Friday.

The virus is currently spreading at a worrying rate at family and private events. The metropolitan area coronavirus coordination group continues to strongly recommend particular caution and restraint in the holding of private events.

The recommendation concerns also graduation parties in the autumn and celebrations during the Christmas period.

In addition, the group considered the safety of large sports and culture events. The group has previously recommended enterprises to require customers to use face masks in their premises and at their events.

The recommendation concerns enterprises whose operations involve customer encounters, such as those behind stores, shopping centres, cultural services and sports events.

Cities will send a common letter to the organizers of big events, emphasizing the significance of complying with the safety instructions and the importance of face mask usage, and encouraging organizers to strongly recommend the use of face masks at their events. Event organisers are responsible for the implementation of health safety.

The Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa and the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland established a regional metropolitan area coronavirus coordination group on the 10th of September 2020.

The City of Helsinki is responsible for organising the group’s operations.