Safe distancing, wearing mask recommended at X-mas, New Year parties

The National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommended that the upcoming Christmas and New Yar parties should be organized in a wisest shape, wearing face mask and maintaining safe distance among the participants.

If the people go out and about in crowded places or using public transport this Christmas season, they should wear a mask and remember social distancing, said the THL in a press release on Saturday.

This year, once again the Christmas holidays will be observed in exceptional conditions because of the coronavirus pandemic. That is why people should plan ahead and make sure that the festivities at Christmas and New Year are as safe as possible for everyone.

“Even if COVID-19 is spreading at a fast pace this Christmas, too, we are now protected by vaccines, and luckily most people have already received their two doses. If you have not got your vaccinations yet, this would be a good time to do it – you could think of it as a Christmas present for yourself and others”, said Mika Salminen, Director of THL.

If people organise parties this December, they should remember the same principles that were followed throughout the pandemic.

The THL recommended to maintain coughing hygiene and getting tested if necessary and staying at home if there are symptoms of vital.

The authority also urged to test coronavirus at home but a positive result should always be verified by a PCR test carried out in the health care services.

In the run-up to Christmas, the Omicron variant is a cause for particular concern. It is known to spread faster and more easily than the Delta variant, which is currently the predominant virus strand.

The same means can be used to prevent the spread of Omicron as the other variants and the THL urged to get the vaccine doses recommended, get tested if necessary, stay at home when unwell, remember coughing hygiene and social distancing, wear a face mask and keep the Koronavilkku app on.