Passengers arriving from southern African countries will be referred to a compulsory health check at border crossings

The new COVID-19 variant omicron (B.1.1.529) discovered in southern Africa is causing changes in health security measures at points of entry. The changes are effective as of this date (27th November, 2021).

Under section 16 of the Communicable Diseases Act, Regional State Administrative Agencies can order compulsory health examinations for all passengers who have been in the last 14 days in countries where the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) has been spreading. These countries are South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique or Malawi. 

The regulation does not apply to children under the age of 6. The regulations of the Regional State Administrative Agencies are in force from 27th November 2021 to 31 December 2021. 

Passengers should check for themselves whether the order applies to them. More information can be found on the website of the Regional State Administrative Agency or from the health authorities at the points of entry.

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have added the new Omicron variant to the list of variants of concern (VOC). Several changes have been observed in the spike protein of the variant. It is feared that these changes can increase the ability of the virus to spread as well as to bypass the immune protection provided by the vaccines in use. THL monitors the spreading of the variant.

Those who have already returned to Finland from southern African countries should get tested for COVID-19

THL urges people to avoid all travel to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique and Malawi. 

In addition, THL recommends that all those who have arrived in Finland within the last 14 days from the countries listed above get tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine.

It is also recommended that they avoid social contacts until they have received a negative test result. THL also recommends that the people close to them get tested for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have gotten a vaccine, if they develop even mild symptoms suggestive of a COVID-19 infection.

In general, it is good to remember that there are now more risks associated with travel, as the epidemic situation and restrictions in different countries can change rapidly.

“Information about new virus variants usually arrives late. For this reason, it is very important that passengers who have already arrived in Finland also get tested. With efficient testing, we aim to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant to Finland” says Jari Jalava, a leading expert at THL.

Travel and the coronavirus pandemic

Regional State Administrative Agency

For more information:

Jari Jalava
Leading expert
THL 
[email protected]