Health authorities in Finland confirmed three additional novel coronavirus infections on Friday. The diagnoses were made in the Uusimaa region in the south, South Karelia in the southeast and Northern Ostrobothnia on the west coast.
The Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district (HUS) confirmed that in one case involving a working age man, the infection originated in northern Italy. The man was said to be doing well and was sent home after samples were taken. He has been instructed to remain in isolation at home.
Officials said that they have identified persons who may have been exposed to infection through him and have been in contact with them.
On Thursday, another case was confirmed in South Karelia and the infection was also said to have come from northern Italy. The patient was also in good condition and in isolation at home. Local health officials said that so far, they have identified three persons who had close contact with the patient – they have been quarantined.
The third case reported on Friday involved a patient who had returned from a trip to an area experiencing a novel coronavirus outbreak. That individual was also said to be in good shape and in isolation at home.
Health authorities in Northern Ostrobothnia are said to be currently mapping close contacts who may have been exposed to infection.
Finland has so far confirmed a total of 15 cases of novel coronavirus infections.
Edited at 12:36pm 6 March 2020 to reflect that a coronavirus case was uncovered in South Karelia.