Coronavirus: THL published instructions for those travelling to or from mainland China, wastewater monitoring for variants intensified
The number of coronavirus infections has increased considerably in mainland China and the growth is expected to continue in the coming weeks. Consequently, the burden on China's health care system has grown significantly.
The best way to protect yourself against coronavirus in Finland and abroad is to get the recommended coronavirus vaccinations. All coronavirus vaccines used in Finland provide good protection against serious forms of the disease requiring hospitalisation.
There are also other ways to protect yourself from both COVID-19 and the other respiratory tract infections, and these methods should be taken into account when travelling.
THL has published instructions for those arriving from and travelling to mainland China. Its content is based on the recommendations made by the European Council and Commission to their Member States.
The instructions, published in Finnish, Swedish, English and Chinese, advise the passengers to find out in advance about possible entry requirements at transfer and destination airports. This applies to a possible coronavirus test result and vaccination documents required by different countries.
The instructions remind the passengers to maintain good hand hygiene and follow the coughing etiquette and to use a surgical face mask during their flight and when moving in crowded places. Passengers in risk groups in particular should consider using FFP2/FFP3 type protective equipment.
The instructions also recommend to avoid travel when sick.
In addition, those travelling to mainland China are advised to check whether their travel insurance provides adequate cover in the destination country.
Employers should also take into account the risks of travelling. Those travelling for work should check their workplace’s travel instructions.
THL is investigating how to start monitoring coronavirus variants from wastewater at Helsinki Airport
THL is preparing to intensify wastewater monitoring for coronavirus variants in accordance with EU recommendations.
The wastewater monitoring for coronavirus and its variants has been carried out since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. This monitoring will now, in the next few weeks, be expanded to include wastewater from Helsinki Airport.
In addition, due to tourism to Lapland, the wastewater at Rovaniemi will be monitored for coronavirus more actively, once a week.
Further information
Guidelines for those arriving from and travelling to mainland China
Your own Covid-19 vaccination: how, why, and when?
Coronavirus variants in wastewater
Jari Jalava
Chief Specialist
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 (0)29 524 6629
[email protected]
Tarja Pitkänen (coronavirus wastewater monitoring)
Leading Expert
THL
tel. +358 (0)29 524 6315
[email protected]
