THL strongly recommends that both unvaccinated and vaccinated use face masks especially in crowded indoor spaces

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has updated its recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens. In light of worsening epidemic situation, THL recommends that masks should continue to be used by both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, especially in public indoor spaces where many people are gathered close to each other. The recommendation applies to persons of 12 years of age or older.

According to the recommendation, it is good to use a mask in situations in which avoiding close contact is difficult and in which the risk of infection might be great. The risk of infection is greater indoors than it is outdoors.

People who do not have protection from vaccines or from having been infected by the disease are susceptible to infection, and their risk of being infected or getting a serious case of the disease is many times higher than those who have been vaccinated.

“A coronavirus vaccination does not completely eliminate the risk of infection and transmission. There is a lot of virus in circulation at this moment, so vaccinated people should also wear a face mask”, THL’s Chief Physician Otto Helve.

Regional authorities may give mask recommendations for their region based on the regional epidemic situation.

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health is responsible for the mask recommendations for workplaces.

Organisers of different events can also give their own mask recommendations regarding their own facilities.

The recommendation does not apply to the fields of health and social care, education or early education, or work communities for whom there are separate recommendations.

Regardless of the recommendations, each person has the right to decide on their own use of a mask unless the law or, for example, occupational safety and health regulations state otherwise.

Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens 

Inquiries:

Otto Helve
Chief Physician
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
[email protected]