THL published home testing guidelines for schoolchildren, students and staff of schools and educational institutions
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published home testing guidelines for schoolchildren and students and the staff of schools and educational institutions. The guidelines apply to the use of the home tests acquired as a result of a policy outlined by the ministerial COVID working group on 7 January 2022.
THL has prepared a recommendation on the use of home tests in accordance with the circular of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the policy of the ministerial COVID group. The National Emergency Supply Agency is responsible for distributing the tests to municipalities. As the home tests are distributed, the package size is initially five tests per pupil or staff member.
Pupils, students or staff members can take a test if they have symptoms indicating coronavirus. The test is done at home independently or under parental supervision by following the instructions in the test kit. Testing is not recommended if the person has had a case of coronavirus confirmed by official or home testing within the previous three months.
Schools or educational institutions do not give guidance on taking these tests, and they do not collect information about the test results.
If the test result is negative but the symptoms persist, the test can be repeated 1 to 2 times every two days. A positive test result means that the person has a coronavirus infection. In this case, the person should primarily follow the recommendations issued by local or regional infectious disease authorities, for example on avoiding contact.
