Coronavirus infection cases in Finland up to 109

The number of coronavirus infection cases rises to 109 in Finland as 50 more cases were diagnosed at different parts of the country on Thursday, said National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Out of the 50 new cases, 18 cases were diagnosed in the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District, 17 cases in the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District, four in the Pirkanmaa and the Kanta-Häme Hospital District each, two in the Southwest Finland, Satakunta and the Central Finland Hospital Districts each and one case in the Southern Ostrobothnia Hospital District.

Hospital districts and local health authorities will continue to investigate the situation with the THL, said the THL in a bulletin.

A cardiac surgeon of a hospital in Helsinki was infected by coronavirus resulting 30 employees, who had been in contact with the doctor of the hospital were quarantined, reported National broadcaster Yle.

The employees included 15 doctors and 13 nurses, said the report.

The surgeon recently returned from Austria, the Yle report added quoting hospital source.

Meanwhile, the national advisory helpline service will be expanded to meet demand and the number of communications channels will be increased, said a government press release.

The THL will send an information package on the coronavirus to all households in both official languages of Finland.

The resources of the National Institute for Health and Welfare will be increased to ensure that expert work can be carried out and that adequate guidance and support can be offered to the public.

A smartphone application providing coronavirus information to the public will also be introduced.

Finland is participating in the development of the coronavirus vaccine by supporting international non-profit organisations (CEPI, IVI) with a total of EUR 5 million.