Helsinki University Hospital District (HUS), which operates the capital region's public hospitals, has announced it is banning patient visits in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus,
The visitation ban went into immediate effect on Wednesday, according to HUS, noting that the reason for the move was the worsening of the epidemic situation.
Some exceptions
The hospital district said that exceptions to the ban on visits will only be granted for particularly grave reasons, for example for seriously ill or palliative care patients.
Patients admitted to emergency care or those attending scheduled appointments may have a single escort if their condition requires it.
Additionally, a spouse or support person may accompany expectant mothers to maternity wards, clinics and prenatal screening appointments, HUS said.