Dozens of Finns from 14 different municipalities have been exposed to the coronavirus in a private event in Estonia and later returned to Finland by on 17 different ships between 1 and 6 August.
According to the National Institute for Health Welfare (THL), participants in the event have been contacted and "the majority of them have been quarantined as a precaution."
However, it says nothing about the other people who may have been exposed on the boats, to whom the authorities now recommend monitoring their health and going to the doctor if they develop symptoms of the infection.
Virus found in "private event"
According to the health agency an unspecified "private event" was held in Estonia from 31 July to 2 August.
A total of 81 Finns and a few Estonians took part and 2 Helsinki residents involved have been diagnosed with Covid-19. THL says they already had symptoms of the virus during the event.
The health authority says there were participants from 14 different municipalities, although more than half are from Helsinki. All and those who participated have been exposed to the virus
“The case is an example of how the disease can spread quickly to different areas in Finland. Even with mild symptoms, one should not attend public events, go to work or move in public places for anything other than necessary, ”emphasizes Mika Salminen, Director of THL.
The communicable disease authorities of the municipalities and hospital districts have been in contact with all participants in cooperation with THL.
“The organizer of the event has also helped to reach those exposed,” says Salminen.
22 of those who returned to Finland have described having developed symptoms suggestive of a coronavirus after the trip. So far, however, the test results have been negative, THL said. The situation is being closely monitored by the health authorities.
List of ships
People exposed to Covid-19 returned from Estonia to Finland on the following ship shifts:
Saturday 1 August
- Tallink Silja at 16:30
Sunday 2 August
- Eckerö Line at 12;00
- Viking Line at 12:30
- Tallink Silja at 13:30
- Finbo Cargo at 15:15
- Viking Line at 15:30
- Eckerö Line at 18:30
- Tallink Silja at 19:30
- Viking Line at 20:30
Monday 3 August
- Eckerö Line at 12.00
- Finbo Cargo at 15.15
- Viking Line at 17:00
- Eckerö Line at 18:30
Tuesday 4 August
- Viking Line at 17:00
Wednesday 5 August
- Finbo Cargo at 15:15
- Tallink Silja at 19:30
Thursday 6 August
- Finbo Cargo at 15:15
Passengers on these ships are advised to monitor their health condition and contact their local health centers in case of developing symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, or loss of taste and smell.
