Government: "Covid-19 situation improved noticeably during past week"

According to the latest monitoring report on the epidemic published on Thursday by the Finnish health authorities, the Covid-19 situation has improved markedly in Finland over the past week.

There are, however, major regional differences in this development. The incidence of the disease is still higher in southern and southwestern Finland and Central Ostrobothnia than in the rest of the country. Nevertheless, it seems clear that the epidemic has finally slowed down in many areas.

In May, the incidence of new cases declined significantly in both Southwest Finland (Turku) and in the Uusimaa (Helsinki and surroundings).

The total number of new cases reported between 24 and 30 May was 877, which is over 400 cases fewer than in the preceding week when the figure was 1,312. In the last two-week period (17–30 May), the incidence of new cases was 40 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the preceding two-week period (3–16 May), it was 53.

"The Covid-19 situation has improved noticeably in Finland over the past week," says the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

Vaccination

The vaccine rollout is also progressing well. In Finland, about 54% of people aged over 16 have received their first vaccine dose. However, the percentage of Finns fully vaccinated is still very low compared with the rest of Europe.

The number of patients receiving hospital care due to Covid-19 has decreased since mid-May. The number of intensive care patients has also dropped. 

On Wednesday 2 June, the total number of Covid-19 patients was 79. Of them, 14 were in intensive care.

So far, Finland has reported 92,770 coronavirus infections and 959 deaths related to the disease.