Helsinki Metropolitan Area resumes contact teaching on 3 May

The Helsinki Metropolitan Area coronavirus coordination group on Tuesday in a meeting outlined a controlled return to contact teaching and the opening of indoor hobby opportunities for persons aged 20 and younger.

The decision is in line with the ‘children and young people first’ principle, to which the region is committed as regards the lifting of restrictions, said the City of Helsinki in a press release.

The group, however, recommended that the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland make a decision on continuing to prohibit public events and general meetings of more than six people indoors and in enclosed outdoor areas until 16 May 2021.

The coronavirus coordination group decided that comprehensive school grades 7–10 and secondary education are to make a full transition to contact teaching as of 3 May 2021.

The coronavirus coordination group also stated that guided recreational activities for persons aged 20 and younger will be enabled to a limited extent in indoor facilities starting from 3 May, if the decision is issued by the Regional State Administrative Agency.

In addition to this, the coronavirus coordination group decided to make swimming halls available to those with a special swimming card as of 3 May 2021 on condition.

In accordance with temporary act, choir singing, amateur theatre activities, and similar group hobbies will remain prohibited until 28 April, even in outdoor areas and facilities. Youth work activities will be permitted outside in groups of limited members.

Restrictions and recommendations made by the coronavirus coordination group earlier will mostly be valid until the end of April.

In addition to the Cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, the City of Kauniainen will also adhere to the restrictions and recommendations of the coordination group.

Upper comprehensive schools will provide teaching, using a rotation model in accordance with municipality-specific implementation measures until 2 May 2021. The decision also applies to students in the 10th grade.