THL for cautious travelling during Christmas holidays

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) urged the people to take the necessary precautions and the consider the differing coronavirus situations in different areas when planning the trip during Christmas holidays.

Travel can increase the risk of coronavirus infection and the spread of the epidemic. However, it is possible to celebrate Christmas safely at home among a small group of your next of kin, said the THL in a press release on Friday.

If travel during Christmas and New Year's is necessary, please take the necessary precautions, said THL, adding that visiting the homes of many friends and relatives should be avoided.

The coronavirus disease exists in every Finnish hospital district, but there are regional differences in incidence of the disease. Consequently, different kinds of restrictions and recommendations may be in force, which should be considered before travelling.

Christmas traffic traditionally becomes congested just before the holidays and immediately thereafter, when large numbers of holiday travellers are either leaving for Christmas or returning home.

Especially in public transport, it is important to remember good hygiene and to use masks.

“Crowded situations should be avoided in public transport. Christmas occurs in the middle of the week, which will hopefully stretch outbound Christmas traffic over a longer period”, said Jari Jalava, Chief Specialist of THL.

If people travel in their own cars, it is a good idea to wash your hands, use masks, and avoid crowds at rest stops.

As Christmas approaches, travel from outside Finland will also increase somewhat as Finns return from abroad to their home country for the holidays. A ten-day voluntary quarantine is an important way to reduce the risk of spreading the disease in Finland. Alternatively, the voluntary quarantine can be shortened by being tested.

During the Christmas holidays it is a good idea to avoid visiting large numbers of friends and relatives.

“Many may have traditions of meeting with childhood friends after spending Christmas with the family. However, this Christmas it is best to avoid gathering in several different places and visiting many acquaintances”, Jalava said.

“Going with a small group of people to a cabin is a very good way to spend Christmas. However, it is good to follow instructions for good hygiene in all situations involving contacts with others, for example in a shop or a restaurant”, he added.