The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to grow
The latest THL data show that the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations is steadily increasing in the country. From MondayOf the 33 hospitalizations, 33 of the COVID-19 patients are in intensive care. The number of infections exceeded 6,800 in the last two weeks, which is almost 900 cases more than in the previous two weeks.
Kirsi Varhila, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, told Yle that the increase in cases is due to Finland easing COVID-19 restrictions too early.
According to Varhila, the restrictions were to be phased out after 80 percent of the population had been vaccinated; however, only 63 percent of the population currently has received both doses of the vaccine.
prime minister Sanna Marin denied allegations that Finland eased restrictions too soon at a press conference on Thursday and said all remaining restrictions will be lifted once the country has reached its original target of 80 percent vaccination coverage.
Finland will stop the Moderna jabs for young men and boys
Mika Salminen, The director of THL announced on Thursday that Finland will suspend the use of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for men 30 years of age and younger. According to a recent Nordic study, Modernan Spikevax increases the risk of myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle – in young men.
Sweden and Denmark announced on Wednesday they would stop using the vaccine for younger age groups. In Finland, men aged 30 and older now receive Pfizer instead of Moderna.
Tahira Sequeira
Helsinki Times
Source: The Nordic Page