The Finnish Commerce Federation and Finnish Grocery Trade Association (PTY) on Tuesday called for the abandonment of recommendations to use masks in stores and shops.
After about two years of recommending the use of protective devices, the groups' announcement came shortly after the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) said it was dropping its general face mask recommendation.
However, THL said overall mask guidelines in Finland still vary depending on the region. For example, regional mask recommendation is still in effect across the Helsinki metropolitan area.
THL added that employers make their decisions on mask use based on their own risk assessment. THL's regulatory guidance only applies to customers, not employees.
The Commerce Federation and PTY say they will continue to compile mask recommendations for companies from the recommendation of regional hospital districts.
Finland's state-owned rail firm VR shifted from compulsory mask restrictions to a recommendation last month. The Helsinki regional transit authority (HSL) still maintains its mask recommendation despite the health authority's announcement.
The capital region's mask recommendation as a whole is still in effect. The mask recommendation also still applies to students in grade six upwards, when on school premises and for people over the age of 12 in indoor spaces or sharing a vehicle.
Outside of the Helsinki region, mask recommendations are still in effect in Tampere, Turku, Kouvola, Oulu and other municipalities.