Covid-19 infections in Finland increased due to Vappu gatherings

The decrease in the number of new Covid-19 cases that had continued for weeks stalled between 3 and 9 May. In fact, the number of cases diagnosed last week increased and the Finnish health authorities suggest that it is the result of the Vappu and May Day celebrations.

According to the latest monitoring report on the epidemic, social contacts outside the family circle played a major role as a source of infection.

"Local Covid-19 clusters have emerged throughout the country as a result of private Labour Day gatherings, for example. There is a real risk that we will see a resurgence of the epidemic, especially among young adults," says the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

Between 3 and 9 May, about 1,500 new cases were reported to the communicable diseases register, showing an increase of about 100 cases from the previous week.

The incidence of new cases was 27 per 100,000 inhabitants between 3 and 9 May, while in the previous week it was 25.

The incidence increased the most among 30–39-year-olds, by 19% compared to the previous week.

Currently, the number of new cases in the country is at the same level as in October 2020.

Vaccination

According to government information, 89% of people aged 70 or older and 35% of all those over 16 have already received their first vaccine dose. The vaccine rollout has now largely moved from risk groups to working-age people.

It is estimated that all those aged 16 or over will have received their first vaccine dose by the end of July.

During the epidemic, the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital care was highest at the end of March before Easter (between 22 March and 4 April). Compared to this, the total number of patients in hospital care has reduced by more than 60%.

On Friday 14 May the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) reported 416 new infections and 1 death.

So far, the Nordic country has diagnosed 89,686 coronavirus cases and 931 deaths associated with the disease.