Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare to update the list of Omicron risk countries
In its circular of 16 December 2021, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health urges the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) to continue producing assessments based on epidemiological information of countries in which travellers arriving in Finland could have been exposed to the Omicron variant.
Based on the current epidemiological information, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare considers that countries in which travellers may be exposed to the new variant include at least the following: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Denmark, United Kingdom and Norway.
This assessment is based on infections caused by Omicron being diagnosed in travellers arriving from these countries, and/or reports received from the country in question of Omicron spreading widely within its borders. Another background factor of the assessment is the country’s location in a region where Omicron is known to be spreading.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare points out that epidemiological information on the spread of Omicron is changing constantly, and the list only includes those countries from which a sufficient volume of information has been obtained. It is likely that the Omicron variant has already spread around the world much more widely, and the situation in Denmark and the United Kingdom is a strong indication of a similar picture in most EU countries. Consequently, exposure to Omicron may be possible in almost any EU country.
"Not enough information is available from most countries around the world. We expect that within a short period of time, the Omicron variant will cause the majority of coronavirus infections in the world", says Jari Jalava, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
Regional State Administrative Agencies can order health checks
By virtue of the Communicable Diseases Act, the Regional State Administrative Agencies have issued regulations to the municipalities with border crossings, requiring them to organise mandatory health checks at the entry points for travellers arriving from countries with a high risk of Omicron.
The Regional State Administrative Agencies’ regulations are based on a country list maintained by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on its website.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s circular states, however, that if a person arriving in the country has a certificate of a negative coronavirus test carried out no more than 48 hours previously, they do not need to participate in the mandatory health check.
THL to update its website with a new assessment based on epidemiological information
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare will update the list of high-risk countries on its website as soon as possible.
The information about the country list is now be published in advance, allowing persons travelling to Finland to determine if they need to have a negative test result when they enter the country.
The advance information also enables health authorities at the entry points to arrange health checks for those arriving from high-risk countries.
Travellers should always check the entry requirements on the website of the Finnish Border Guard.
Further information
What do we know about the Omicron variant?
World Health Organization: Classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern
Jari Jalava
Chief Specialist
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
[email protected]
