Finland abandoned the general face protection recommendation – Xinhua
People are waiting for vaccination at the Exhibition Center in Helsinki, May 31, 2021. (Matti Matikainen / Xinhua)
The country’s health authorities continue to recommend the use of a face mask in public transport, in public interiors, and in COVID-19 testing and care facilities.
HELSINKI, April 14 (Xinhua) – Finland abandons its general recommendation to use a face mask, the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) said in a statement issued on Thursday.
However, the country’s health authorities continue to recommend the use of a face mask in public transport, in public interiors, and in COVID-19 testing and treatment facilities. Patients with respiratory symptoms and those exposed to the coronavirus are also advised to continue using face shields.
People enjoy the sun in Kaivopuisto, Helsinki, March 16, 2022. (Matti Matikainen / Xinhua)
THL reiterated that symptomatic people should stay at home until symptoms have resolved.
The recommended update does not apply to workplaces where employers prescribe instructions based on the instructions of the National Institute of Occupational Health.
According to THL, regional mask recommendations may vary.
A health care worker gives a dose of a vaccine to a woman at the Exhibition Center in Helsinki on May 31, 2021. (Matti Matikainen / Xinhua)
Despite updating the recommendation, people can still use the mask at their own discretion.
THL’s chief physician Otto Helve said in a statement that unvaccinated people over 12 years of age and those at serious risk for COVID-19 should consider using the mask.
The health authority reiterated that vaccines are by far the most effective way to protect people from COVID-19. ■