Two new Omicron infections diagnosed in Finland – cases in 50 countries already

Two new coronavirus infections caused by the Omicron variant have been confirmed in Finland. Both infections have been diagnosed in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) area. The infected have recently travelled in South Africa and Nigeria. The cases are not related to the previous chain of infections. 

So far, a total of nine confirmed infections caused by Omicron have been diagnosed in Finland. In addition to the HUS area, infections have been diagnosed in Southwest Finland and North Savo. Local authorities are tracing exposed persons and taking preventive measures in the hospital district areas. 

Confirmed cases in 50 countries already

The first observations of the Omicron variant were made in South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong in November. Cases have now been confirmed in 50 countries around the world. So far, most of the reported infections are related to travel, especially in southern African countries. The number of new coronavirus cases in South Africa is increasing rapidly, and Omicron already accounts for more than 70% of new cases. 

Cases have also been confirmed in at least 21 European countries, and they are mainly related to travel. Denmark, Spain, the United Kingdom and Belgium have also reported cases in which there is no clear link to a foreign country. This suggests that in these countries the Omicron variant is already spreading to some extent within the country.

“We monitor the international situation closely together with the authorities in different countries. The variant has already spread widely, and new infections may be found in any country. A more extensive internal spreading within a country has not yet been reported in Europe. However, the situation can change rapidly,” says Jari Jalava, Chief Specialist at THL. 

For the time being, it is not known whether the Omicron variant causes a more serious disease than the previously circulated coronavirus strains or how the vaccines currently in use protect against it. 

Mutation is a part of the normal rotation of viruses

The emergence of virus variants is very common and is a part of the normal rotation of viruses. Variants can spread and displace earlier forms of the virus or be overcome by other variants, as has been seen multiple times during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The spread of the Omicron variant can be prevented in the same way as other coronavirus variants: take care of your vaccine protection, good hand and mask hygiene and safe distances described in the recommendations. If you have symptoms, stay at home and go get tested for coronavirus.

Further information

New concerning coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529)
(THL, in Finnish)

Coronavirus variants
(THL) 

Jari Jalava
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected] 

Carita Savolainen-Kopra 
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]