In accordance with policy set by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the coronavirus epidemic coordination group in Southwest Finland has decided to remove the general recommendation for using masks in Southwest Finland as of Friday, 22 April. Although the general recommendation for using face masks has been lifted, the use of masks is still recommended for social and health care personnel, and for those visiting units of health care and services for the elderly, for example.

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The use of masks is still recommended in the following situations: 

  • in indoor public spaces and on modes of transport to get to a test or treatment for a suspected coronavirus infection
  • if there are symptoms of respiratory infection, but moving outside the home is essential
  • if someone knows they have been exposed to coronavirus (for example, infections have been diagnosed in the family) and close contacts cannot be avoided.

Exercising good hand hygiene remains important. Those with flu symptoms should stay at home.

The use of masks in Southwest Finland is still recommended for personnel and visitors: 

  • at all health care service locations (hospitals, health centres, offices, and maternity and child care clinics)
  • at institutions offering round-the-clock care
  • in units of care for the disabled
  • in institutional care and home care for the elderly and those in high-risk groups, and in social work, if necessary

“Each of us may, at our own discretion, continue to use masks in crowded indoor spaces, for example.” Especially the unvaccinated, and those who are at risk of contracting severe coronavirus disease even if they have been vaccinated, should consider using a mask that protects its user more effectively”, says infectious disease specialist Jutta Peltoniemi.  

At workplaces, the employer decides on the use of masks by the employees in accordance with instructions from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.  

How Turku municipal services are affected 

Educational institutions 

The mask recommendation is no longer in force in upper secondary schools, at the Turku Vocational Institute, in adult education centres, and in comprehensive schools, but masks will remain available for those who wish to use them. Education and teaching personnel are also no longer obliged to use masks. 

Föli 

The recommendation to use face masks on public transport in the Turku region has ended. You may still use masks at your own discretion. The use of masks is still recommended for those using public transport to get to a coronavirus test.  

Cash may not be used for payment on buses for now. 

Leisure services 

The general recommendation for using masks has also ended in municipal leisure services, such as libraries, concerts, exercise services, museums, youth services, and theatres. 

Social and health care units 

The City of Turku continues to recommend the use of face masks in all service locations of municipal health care and social services.