Metropolitan Area continues mask use despite THL repeal

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area recommendation to use face masks in public is still in force, even after the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) has changed its general national policy to drop face mask use, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Thursday.

The capital region cities still recommend that everyone over the age of 12 use a mask in indoor public areas and in vehicles with others, regardless of their vaccination protection level.

The mask recommendation also still applies to all students in grade 6 and up when they are using school premises.

The recommendations that are currently valid in the metropolitan area will be reviewed in the near future.

The THL on Thursday decided to drop its general face mask use recommendation, reported Xinhua, quoting a press release issued by THL.

The THL, however, still recommends face mask use on public transport, in indoor public settings and at COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities.

People with respiratory symptoms and those exposed to coronavirus are also advised to continue wearing face masks.

The THL reiterated that symptomatic people should stay at home until their symptoms have subsided.

The recommendation update does not apply to workplaces, where the guidelines are determined by employers based on instructions from the THL.

According to the THL, regional mask recommendations may vary.

Despite the update of the recommendation, people can still use the mask at their own discretion.

Otto Helve, the THL's chief physician, said in the press release that unvaccinated people over the age of 12, as well as those at risk of severe COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status, should consider using a mask.

The health authority reiterated that vaccines are by far the most effective way to protect people from COVID-19.

The Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, and the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland established the Metropolitan Area coronavirus coordination group on 10 September 2020.

In line with a regional operating model devised by Finland’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the group aims to strengthen the formation of a common situational assessment and to coordinate and prepare local and regional measures.

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

In addition to the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, the City of Kauniainen also follows the restrictions and recommendations of the coordination group.