2 new Omicron infections spotted in Helsinki

Two new infections of coronavirus variant Omicron have been detected in Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS), said the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Tuesday.

Both the infected people recently visited South Africa and Nigeria.

The cases, however, are not connected to the earlier chain of infections.

With these two, a total of nine people were infected with the coronavirus variant Omicron in Finland so far.

Out of the infections, three were detected in Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS), four in the southwest Finland hospital district and two in North Savo.

Those who have been in close contact with the infected people have been quarantined and the authority are finding out about others who may have been exposed, according to the City of Helsinki.

“You can protect yourself against an omicron infection the same way as against other coronavirus infections. I would like to remind that it is important to maintain the vaccination cover, good hand and face mask hygiene and keep a safe distance. Stay at home if you show any symptoms and get tested if necessary”, says Sanna Isosomppi,” said the Chief Physician of the City’s epidemiologic operations.

The first observations of the Omicron coronavirus variant were made in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in November.

So far, the Omicron coronavirus variant was found in 50 countries in the world including in 21 countries in Europe.

The first case of the Omicron variant was detected in Finland on 2 December.