Friday 8 January 2021
Here you will find coronavirus test contact information for all municipalities of Lapland
Official instructions from Lapland to travellers who suspect they may have caught the coronavirus
Find more instructions and current recommendations and restrictions for the hospital districts
Lapland Hospital District
(current information at 12:22)
The COVID-19 situation has worsened throughout the country. The majority of hospital districts have now entered the spreading or accelerating phases of the epidemic. The Lapland Hospital District is still in the baseline phase of the coronavirus. 80% of infections confirmed in the area of the Lapland Hospital District came from outside the hospital district. Everyone in Lapland must follow the safety instructions and take a coronavirus test, even if minor symptoms related to the infection are experienced.
The incidence rate based on the last two weeks (week numbers 52 and 53, 21 December 2021 – 3 January 2021) is 24.8 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The incidence rate based on last week (week no. 53, 28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021) is 13.7 per 100,000 inhabitants.
This incidence rate also includes cases of patients who live outside the Lapland Hospital District area. For this reason, the figure can differ from that announced by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) that does not count those living outside of Lapland.
Fewer people have sought a coronavirus test over the past two weeks compared to earlier – you still need to take a coronavirus test even if you experience the mildest of symptoms
16 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed this week. Infections have been confirmed around the hospital district in, for instance Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Sodankylä, Salla, Pello and Kolari. During week no. 53 (28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021), a total of 16 coronavirus infections were confirmed in the Lapland Hospital District.
During week no. 53 (28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021), a total of 1637 coronavirus tests were conducted in the Lapland Hospital District. Over half of the tests taken, i.e. 968 tests, were rapid antigen tests. The number of positive results accounted for 0.98%. The number of tests done for week numbers 52 (21–27 December 2020) and 53 (28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021) is clearly less than for earlier weeks. Rovaniemi in particular saw less tests taken. For us to be able to discover infections and prevent the coronavirus from spreading, it is extremely important you seek a coronavirus test even if you have the mildest of symptoms. We also urge you to stick to all safety rules issued for the coronavirus. Infections can be prevented by using hand disinfectant and by wearing a mask in situations where adhering to safe distancing rules is impossible.
Vaccinations are being rolled out in the Lapland Hospital District
Currently, around 250 Lapland Hospital District healthcare staff caring for acute infection patients have received the vaccination. In addition, almost another 100 people have received the vaccination in Salla and Posio, including healthcare employees caring for acute infection patients, and the residents and staff of year-round care facilities.
The goal is to complete the first round of vaccinations for social and healthcare employees caring for and examining acute infection patients, and for the staff and residents of year-round care facilities by the end of week no. 4 (25–31 January 2021).
Two employees of the Lapland Central Hospital have been infected with the coronavirus
These infections are not related and were contracted outside the hospital grounds. These infections came from the exposure of 21 intensive care and emergency unit employees at staff dining times. Those who have been exposed have been quarantined and the impact of the situation on the functioning of the hospital is assessed on a daily basis. No patients have been exposed, as the staff always use personal protective equipment when working with patients.
Potential exposures to the coronavirus 30 December 2020 – 4 January 2021
- Wednesday 30 December Gondola Restaurant in Levi at 13:30–14:30
- Wednesday 30 December Alpenjäger ski slope restaurant at the Ounasvaara Ski Centre in Rovaniemi at 14:00–15:00
- Thursday 31 December Hook Restaurant in Levi at 17:00–19:00
- Thursday 31 December Bar Ihku in Levi at 19:00–22:00
- Friday 1 January Glass Resort Restaurant in Rovaniemi at 9:00–10:00
- Saturday 2 January Pirkon Pirtti Restaurant in Saariselkä in Inari at 19:00–21:00
- Sunday 3 January Bus departing from Saariselkä in Inari to Ivalo Airport at 8:25
- Monday 4 January Eskelisen Lapin Linjat bus service from Rovaniemi to Sodankylä at 11:45–13:20
If you think you may have been exposed, you should take a coronavirus test, even if you experience the mildest of coronavirus symptoms.
Number of positive coronavirus tests in the Lapland Hospital District by week
21–27 December (week no. 52): 13 cases
28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021 (week no. 53): 16 cases
4–10 January (week no. 1, current week): 16 cases (as of 8 December at 12:22)
The total number of cases confirmed in the Lapland Hospital District on the basis of coronavirus tests conducted at testing stations is 433. This figure includes people who live outside the region.
Infection Control Unit
***
Länsi-Pohja Hospital District
(current information at 11:48)
The coronavirus situation in the Länsi-Pohja area is still in the acceleration phase.
People in Länsi-Pohja are urged to reduce the number of social contacts – if you must meet someone, use a face mask and adhere to social distancing rules
16 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed so far this week. Infections have been confirmed around the hospital district in, for instance Tornio, Kemi and Keminmaa. During week no. 53 (28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021), a total of 25 coronavirus infections were confirmed in the Länsi-Pohja Hospital District. A total of 760 coronavirus tests were taken.
The epidemic situation in Länsi-Pohja is worsening. In order to reduce the number of new cases, it is vital for all people to reduce the number of social contacts. For the next two weeks (4 January 2021 ->) it is recommended for people to avoid all visits outside the home. When you go shopping, please adhere to social distancing guidelines and use a face mask. Remote working should be done whenever possible.
The coronavirus situation in Haparanda has quickly worsened. People living in the border communities are asked to bear this in mind and to use a face mask when any contact is made and to adhere to social distancing rules.
Number of positive coronavirus tests in the Länsi-Pohja Hospital District by week
21–27 December (week no. 52): 14 cases
28 December 2020 – 3 January 2021 (week no. 53): 25 cases
4–10 January (week no. 1, current week): 15 cases (as of 8 December at 11:48)
The total number of cases confirmed in the Länsi-Pohja Hospital District on the basis of coronavirus tests conducted at testing stations is 385.
Infection Control Unit