Summer parties approaching - celebrate responsibly maintaining coronavirus protocols and following regional recommendations

The early summer’s parties are getting closer. Matriculating, graduating with a vocational qualification or one’s confirmation are important milestones that should be celebrated. Although the coronavirus situation has eased this spring, the risk of infection is still imminent throughout the country, and the situation may also deteriorate rapidly depending on the region.  

When arranging parties comply with the assembly restrictions imposed by your regional authorities, which also apply to private events.

In addition, the same principles should be kept in mind at parties as at any other time during the epidemic. The most important thing is to take care of good hand hygiene and coughing etiquette, observe safety intervals, use a face mask when necessary, and ensure that the Koronavilkku application has been activated on your phone. 

Even when you have minor symptoms typical of the coronavirus, get tested, skip the party, and stay at home. 

“The early summer’s celebrations are extraordinarily important events in young people’s lives. Everyone deserves congratulations. However, the epidemic is still unpredictable, so there’s no point in taking unnecessary risks. It is worth considering whether the arrival of guests could be staggered, which would mean that there would only be a small number of people at the party at the same time,” says Mika Salminen, Director of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. 

Safe parties - tips for organisers and participants

In addition to the regional epidemic situation, when attending or organising parties take into account practices that support coronavirus safety. 

• Organise a party only for your closest friends and family and consider staggering the arrival of guests. 
• If possible, hold parties outdoors.
• If you have even minor symptoms that indicate coronavirus, cancel the party or your participation in the party. Get tested immediately. 
• Maintain proper hand hygiene and coughing etiquette. Guests should be reminded of washing their hands and provided with sufficient hand sanitiser. 
• Remember to maintain sufficient safety distances during parties.
• Wear a face mask whenever possible.
• Make sure the Koronavilkku application is downloaded to your phone and is activated.

 Further information:

The COVID-19 epidemic: regional situation, recommendations and restrictions
Coronavirus COVID-19 – Latest Updates
Koronavilkku

Mika Salminen
Director
THL
[email protected]