In light of the worsening epidemic situation in the region, the Helsinki metropolitan area coronavirus coordination group has recommended that recently-implemented restrictions be extended an additional two weeks.
The City of Helsinki explained the matter in a press release issued on Monday.
According to the expert group, the number of new coronavirus cases is growing rapidly across the metropolitan area. More cases have been diagnosed in recent weeks than in previous stages of the epidemic. The group also noted a workload increase at local hospitals, due to the situation.
On Monday the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reported that there were 17,047 lab-confirmed coronavirus cases recorded in Finland over the weekend. Nearly 11,000 of those cases were diagnosed in the Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district.
The city said that the group has also advised the Regional State Administrative Agency (Avi) of Southern Finland to extend restrictions on public indoor facilities for an additional two weeks, after current guidelines are due to expire on 10 January.
The restrictions affect businesses and entities including:
- Indoor sports facilities
- Public swimming pools, spas and saunas
- Dance facilities and venues hosting choirs, amateur theatres or other similar activities
- Amusement and theme parks, including indoor zoo facilities
- Indoor playgrounds
- Public meeting spaces at shopping centres
As previous guidelines dictated, the restrictions would not apply to supervised hobby activities of people born in the year 2003 or later.
Restrictions on public events gathering sizes are currently in effect until 17 January and the coordination group has also recommended they be extended an additional two weeks.