Participate in Seasonal parties only when vaccinated – restaurants can improve safety by always requiring a COVID-19 passport

Publication date 5 Nov 2021

Keep it safe at Holday season parties by getting vaccinated, keeping your hands clean, not coughing on others and drinking responsibly.

The Seasonal holiday party season is about to begin, and many people are wondering how to plan a safe party. Despite the progress achieved in increased vaccination coverage, coronavirus transmission levels are still high and the epidemic continues. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has compiled tips for citizens, restaurants, and event organisers on how to organise a safe and smooth holiday season party:

  • Celebrate only when you are healthy. If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection, do not participate even in small-scale gatherings, even if you have been vaccinated. Stay at home and see a doctor if your symptoms get severe. Check the instructions given by your municipality on coronavirus testing and act accordingly.
     
  • Only celebrate together if you are vaccinated. A full series of vaccinations, usually comprising two doses, gives effective protection against a severe form of the disease. You still have time to get vaccinated to protect yourself and others. Although the vaccine does not eliminate the risk of getting infected and infecting others, it significantly reduces virus excretion and also its spread from one human to another.
     
  • Continue to maintain good hand hygiene and coughing etiquette. This will prevent the spread of other diseases too.
     
  • Keep the Koronavilkku application on at any parties and follow its instructions.
     
  • Keep using a face mask especially in public indoor areas if it is difficult to maintain distance to other people. For example, it is a good idea to wear a mask on public transport. It is especially important to use a mask if you are not yet fully vaccinated.
     
  • Before attending any Christmas parties, download the EU COVID-19 Certificate from OmaKanta. It serves as a COVID-19 passport. This way you have instant access to your COVID-19 passport.
     
  • Remember to drink responsibly.
     
  • Have fun at Christmas parties!

It is a good idea to require a COVID-19 passport regardless of the time of the day

In the areas where the epidemic is spreading, COVID-19 passports are an alternative to restrictions for restaurants or events. Restrictions can mean the number of customers or opening hours, among other things.

It is recommended that private event organisers also use the COVID-19 passport. It would be preferable to always  require customers to have a COVID-19 passport, every day and not just after a certain hour.

“If restaurants and event organisers demanded a COVID-19 passport to enter their premises every day and at any time, it would be considerably safer for customers to come and celebrate,” encourages Mika Salminen, Director at THL. 

When organising holiday season parties, the instructions and recommendations issued by the local authorities also need be taken into account. If the epidemic is in the spreading stage, municipalities may also recommend restrictions on the number of participants in private events. 

Further information:

Transmission and protection – coronavirus
(THL)

Vaccines and coronavirus
(THL)

Mika Salminen
Director
THL
[email protected]
 
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