Workers back from Northvolt plant tested coronavirus positive

Several coronavirus infections have been diagnosed in the Western Ostrobothnia Hospital District during the weekend and they are thought to originate from Northvolt plant at Skellefteå in Sweden, said the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on Monday.

The British coronavirus mutation has been detected at Northvolt plant. Workers at the factory may have been exposed to the virus, said the THL in a press release.

The authorities advised the Employees at Northvolt plant to get tested for coronavirus without delay.

The test should be taken even if the person has no symptoms that match COVID-19. The request concerns those who have returned to Finland after 23 January 2021.

The test is also requested even if the person has been tested at the factory or at the time of entry.

The request does not apply to those already in quarantine or isolation by decision of the communicable disease control physician.

The tests are carried out according to the health authorities’ instructions and are free of charge for the people taking them.

Employees are advised to avoid any contact outside their own household until they have received the test result.

According to information from the Western Ostrobothnia Hospital District, the factory employs approximately 200-300 Finns.

The factory employees have returned and are about to return to different parts of Finland.