Cross-border traffic adds to infection risk

Confirmed coronavirus infections in northern Sweden have caused concern about the spread of infections to Finland, according to the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

For example, about 3,000 Finns work in the municipality of Jällivaara in Sweden. Cross-border commuting and business traffic increase the risk of coronavirus infections in Finland, said a THL press release on Thursday.

“Early detection of coronavirus infections is important so that potential infections can be identified quickly and the disease prevented from spreading. Anyone with the slightest symptoms of a coronavirus infection should get tested without hesitation,” said THL Chief Physician Taneli Puumalainen.

Symptoms associated with coronavirus infection may include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fatigue, runny nose, nausea, or diarrhoea.

“In addition to getting tested, it is important to take care of good hand and cough hygiene and maintain adequate safety distances,” Puumalainen said.

The THL urged everyone who returns from Sweden to follow the hygiene instructions and avoid unnecessary close contact with other people.

Holiday and leisure trips to Sweden are still not recommended. After returning from Sweden, one should follow the voluntary quarantine process for two weeks, said the THL.