Tuesday 29 December 2020
The translated version of the coronavirus review for Lapland is published once a week. Koronaturvallinen Lappi is now on Facebook. We have once again commenced the Välitä (Care) campaign on a number of media platforms to remind people about coronavirus safety.
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 13:53)
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 51 and 52, 14–27 December) is 24.0 per 100,000 inhabitants.
The incidence rate based on last week (week no. 52, 21–27 December) is 11.1 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.
A total of 13 cases were reported in the Lapland Hospital District during the Christmas week
During the Christmas week (week no. 52, 21–27 December) a total of 13 new coronavirus cases were confirmed. During the current week and by the time this was published, no new cases have been confirmed.
During week no. 52 (21–27 December), a total of 2,120 coronavirus tests were taken in the Lapland Hospital District, with 699 of these being rapid antigen tests. This means that one-third (33%) of all tests conducted were rapid antigen tests. The proportion of positive test results was 0.61%.
During the Christmas period, people have sought coronavirus testing with low thresholds and safety guidelines have been followed diligently. The Infection Control Unit hopes to see the same exemplary sense of responsibility continue through the New Year. All New Year celebrations should be celebrated among family members only and by sticking to safety instructions.
Number of positive coronavirus tests in the Lapland Hospital District by week
14–20 December (week no. 51): 15 cases
14–20 December (week no. 52): 13 cases
Week 53 (current week): 0 cases (as of 29 December at 13:53)
The total number of cases confirmed in the Lapland Hospital District on the basis of coronavirus tests conducted at testing stations is 401. This figure includes people who live outside the region.
Infection Control Unit
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Länsi-Pohja Hospital District
(current information at 9:22)
The coronavirus situation in the Länsi-Pohja area is still in the acceleration phase.
The situation is worsening in Länsi-Pohja
During the Christmas week, a total of 14 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Länsi-Pohja. The epidemic situation is quickly weakening in the hospital district. Nine new coronavirus cases have been confirmed this week. Investigations into the chain of infection remain ongoing. 80% of these cases are from Tornio.
The coronavirus situation has also weakened in Haparanda, with last week (week no. 52, 21–27 December) seeing twice the number of new cases compared to the previous week. There was a total of 19 new cases last week.
With the cases confirmed during last week, a number of infection chains cross the national border. As the epidemic situation worsens, the people living in municipalities on the national border should restrict all cross-border travel only for trips that are absolutely necessary.
The virus can also be caught from people who do not experience any symptoms, so the only way to reduce infections in the region is to reduce the number of social contacts. Visiting other people should currently be avoided and New Year celebrations should be restricted to being within your own family, without any contacts with others.
Necessary social contacts can be done by adhering to safe distancing rules and by using face masks.
Number of positive coronavirus tests in the Länsi-Pohja Hospital District by week
14–20 December (week no. 51): 10 cases
21–27 December (week no. 52): 14 cases
28 December – 3 January (week no. 53, current week): 9 cases (as of 29 December at 9:22)
The total number of cases confirmed in the Länsi-Pohja Hospital District on the basis of coronavirus tests conducted at testing stations is 354.
Infection Control Unit