Satakunta hospitals are facing the heaviest Covid patient strain since the beginning of the pandemic, tabloid Ilta-Sanomat (IS) reports. With increasing numbers of unvaccinated patients winding up in intensive care units, chief doctors are anticipating delays in the treatment of non-urgent and non-coronavirus related conditions, according to the tabloid.
Similar concerns are further shared by hospitals in Päijät-Häme and Southwest FInland, the paper writes.
Despite the recent relaxation of the mask recommendation urging people to use their own judgement, Satakunta still encourages its residents to use face coverings.
Hospitals in Helsinki have also noted a rise in admitted coronavirus patients, the number of which has risen sharply in the past two weeks, according to Helsingin Sanomat. As of Tuesday, HUS hospitals are treating some 41 patients, 11 of which are in intensive care.
"We are in a situation where we have to think about postponing surgeries," Director of the THL's Department for Health Security Mika Salminen told the daily paper while speaking of the importance of closely monitoring hospital resources nationwide.
As of Tuesday, 136 Covid patients were being treated in Finland's hospitals, 34 of whom in intensive care units.
UEFA launches investigation into Kamara boos
The European Football Association (UEFA) has opened an investigation into what appeared to be a racially-charged incident that took place during last Thursday's European League match between Sparta Prague and Glasgow Rangers, according to Helsingin Sanomat (HS).
During the game, Finnish footballer Glen Kamara was repeatedly booed in a Prague stadium consisting mostly of thousands of schoolchildren.
Last season Kamara was racially abused by defender Ondrej Kudela of Slavia Prague, resulting in a subsequent ten-game suspension of Kudela by the association, according to the newspaper.
UEFA said in a statement that it will announce the results of the investigation as soon as they become available.
Kamara is currently in Finland, preparing for the World Cup qualifying round between Finland and Ukraine next Saturday, HS reports.
Sweater weather for autumn holidaymakers
A high pressure front may bring autumn holidaymakers crisp weather conditions, Ilta-Sanomat (IS) reports. Schools across the country will be going on a weeklong break, starting from 11 October.
This month has been unseasonably warm, with temperatures staying close to 10 degrees Celsius across Finland and northern Lapland experiencing the warmest October night in 50 years.
A cold turn is expected to put an end, however, to the warmer-than-average spell after this week, the tabloid writes.
"The weather is likely to be a little cooler than the seasonal average during the first week of autumn holidays," Foreca meteorologist Joanna Rinne told IS, adding that "next week will be cloudy and sunny so there will be weather favourable for outdoor activities, however holidaymakers should also brace for days that will be more suitable for staying inside."