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Covid-19

Coronavirus continues to punish Ostrobothnia


The number of coronavirus infections in Ostrobothnia has not yet started to decline, and the disease remains prevalent in various parts of the region. The need for hospital care is great and a lot of human resources are devoted to the care of coronavirus patients. The disease is also prevalent among nursing staff, which affects the ability of healthcare services to function and can slow down non-urgent access to care.

“Coronavirus now poses challenges for us in many services. We recommend that everyone receives full vaccine protection. It is a way to protect oneself from serious illness and it also has an impact on the carrying capacity of the entire healthcare system,” says Marina Kinnunen, Director of the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia, on Tuesday 8 March, in connection with a meeting of the Coronavirus Coordination Group.

Changes in vaccination recommendations for 12–17-year-olds

The Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia’s recommendation for a third coronavirus vaccination for 12–17-year-olds has been updated to reflect THL’s recent policy. The third coronavirus vaccination is now recommended for at-risk patients aged 12-17 years, six months after the second dose. The possibility of taking the third coronavirus vaccination is also offered to non-risk 12–17-year-olds, if this is necessary for special reasons, such as travel.

Current coronavirus vaccination recommendations and instructions for making an appointment can be found on the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia website.

A home test is an adequate form of testing in most cases

Most people with coronavirus do not need a result from an official coronavirus test, as a home test is enough. There is also no need to repeat the test after the disease has been diagnosed.

“At the end of an illness, one should not apply for a test, as the test result may appear positive for several months after a coronavirus infection,” says Chief Physician Peter Nieminen.

More information on coronavirus testing and guidelines for those infected can be found on the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia website.

Mask recommendation continues

Although there are currently no other coronavirus restrictions, Ostrobothnia still has a strong recommendation to wear a face mask. The recommendation to wear a face mask in all public places, on public transport and in places where a safe distance from other people cannot be maintained is valid until 31 March 2022.

The epidemic situation will be reassessed on 22 March, when the Ostrobothnia Coronavirus Coordination Group meet next.

Meeting participants:

Marina Kinnunen, Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia (ÖVPH), chairperson, Peter Nieminen, ÖVPH, Marjo Orava, ÖVPH, Satu Kärki, ÖVPH, Britt-Marie Bjon, ÖVPH, Gun Kapténs, Luoto (Larsmo), Mikaela Björklund, Närpiö (Närpes), Christina Knookala, Vaasa, Denice Vesterback, Mustasaari, Rolf Sundqvist, Pedersöre, Eeva Mäkinen, AVI, Dinah Arifullah, THL, Petra Fager, ÖVPH, public relations,  Elina Kurtti ÖVPH, public relations, Päivi Berg, ÖVPH, secretary.

Role and composition of the Ostrobothnia Regional Corona Coordination Group

The task of the group is to plan and implement measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in its region. The use of recommendations and restrictive measures requires a comprehensive assessment in which decisions are made and weighed in terms of epidemiological, social and economic impacts and in relation to fundamental rights.