Helsinki area drops general mask recommendations

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area coronavirus coordination group on Wednesday decided to update its regional mask recommendation with reduction of use of face masks in public places, if people wish.

The coronavirus epidemic is showing signs of abating in the capital region, and yet incidence rates remain high. While vaccinations provide excellent protection against serious illness, infections can still occur.

By using a mask, everyone over the age of 12 can protect themselves in situations in which it is difficult to avoid close contact, for example, in indoor public spaces and when using crowded public transport, said the City of Helsinki in a press release.

Members of groups deemed at high risk of contracting the coronavirus should also continue to wear a mask in public, even if they are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) on Wednesday issued the general recommendation where the provision for using facemask is being lifted with three exceptions.

THL recommended the continued use of masks in public indoor spaces and public transport, for those seeking treatment or a test because of a suspicion of coronavirus infection, for those with symptoms of respiratory infection, who nevertheless have essential reasons to move outside their home and for those who know that they have been exposed to COVID-19 (for example, infections have been diagnosed in the family) and for whom close contact with outsiders cannot be avoided.

“Especially those aged 12 and over who have not been vaccinated, and all who are susceptible to severe coronavirus disease regardless of vaccination status, should consider using a mask that also protects the user effectively”, said THL Chief Physician Otto Helve.

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.

Earlier on 14 April, the Helsinki Metropolitan Area recommendation to use face masks in public is still in force, even after the THL changed its general national policy to drop face mask use.