Coronavirus infections spotted in eateries, exchange students

Several coronavirus infections have been found in restaurants and short-term exchange students in Helsinki.

Prior to diagnosis, the students had spent time in Helsinki restaurants and may have exposed other customers, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Friday.

The students spent time in Old Irish Pub on 26–29 January, in restaurant Maxine on 20 January and 27 January and in El Patro night club on 22 January.

The Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland has contacted these restaurants and will provide them with regulations on compliance with the obligations set out in the Communicable Diseases Act.

“We have not, however, observed any shortcomings during our inspection visits, and there are no reasons for closing these restaurants for the time being,” said Riku-Matti Lehikoinen from the Regional State Administrative Agency of Southern Finland.

“With the regulation, we want to emphasise that the restrictions and requirements, e.g., on safe distances and hygiene practices must absolutely be observed.”

Until now, 25 exchange students have been infected with the coronavirus, and about 70 persons have been exposed. The students did not use the Koronavilkku application.

The current number of foreign short-term exchange students in Helsinki is about 500.

Not all possibly exposed persons have been reached yet.

For this reason, persons present in the affected restaurants at the above-mentioned times are requested to monitor their health and seek out coronavirus testing immediately, even with mild symptoms.

“We have offered targeted tests and advice to the exchange students,” said the chief physician of Epidemiological Operations of the city, Sanna Isosomppi.

“I understand that people want to spend time together, especially when they are young. At the moment, however, it is recommendable to avoid large gatherings and remember the coronavirus-related precautions, such as face mask usage, safe distances, and hand and coughing hygiene,” added Isosomppi.