The cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa have jointly recommended face masks for residents aged 15 and over when using city services, especially in situations where close contact cannot be avoided.
The recommendation applies to libraries, sports facilities, museums and high schools, such as vocational schools and high schools, and will take effect immediately.
The press release stated that strict adherence to the guidelines could prevent the imposition of stricter restrictions, such as the transition of schools to distance learning or the earlier closure of bars and restaurants.
"We hope that the people of the metropolitan area will take the extended mask recommendation seriously and follow it unless there is a health reason not to wear a mask," The statement, signed jointly by the mayors of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, was read.
The All Points North podcast discussed face masks and more last week. You can listen to the full podcast through the embedded player here or through Yle Areena, Spotify, Apple Podcasts oder ein normaler Podcast-Player mit einem RSS-Feed.
Die Geschichte geht nach dem Ton weiter
Urban service customers are responsible for purchasing their own masks, but low-income residents can pick up free masks from distribution points in each city.
At the same time, employers offer masks to municipal employees for free. This means, for example, that students in educational institutions have to acquire their own masks, while teachers receive them for free.
The recommendation is based on the deteriorating coronavirus situation in the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS). At a press conference on Tuesday Mika SalminenAccording to THL, the director of health security, the epidemic is in an accelerating phase in the region.
Last week, THL announced a recommendation that face masks should be used indoors and in other situations where close contact cannot be avoided in much of Finland.
You can read more in the THL face mask instructions Website .
Quelle: Die nordische Seite
