Government imposes mandatory health forms at the airport for returnees

Finnish Government aims to curb the spread of coronavirus (koronavirus in Finnish) epidemic. And for this it is vital to control that people who return from other parts of the world do not bring the virus with them and spread it after at home.

After two weeks in which the thousands of returned tourists were able to go home using the public transport and without anyone taking their temperature or asking their status, the government has decided to increase controls at the airport.

According to a news release by the Government Communications Department, now all individuals arriving in Finland from abroad are required to fill in a form assessing their situation already at the border control stage.

Passengers must complete the form before proceeding to the border check counter, where the form will be inspected by the border guard. Based on the information provided in the form, the person will either be instructed on making their way home or directed to a health checkpoint or a service point for making transport arrangements. 

People at the health checkpoint who are experiencing symptoms will be directed to sampling and brought to hotel accommodation to wait for the results.

If the sample is negative, they will continue their normal quarantine either at the designated accommodation or at home.

If the result is positive, they will be transferred to healthcare. A quarantine order will be issued for travellers who do not consent to self-quarantine. People who do not have a place to spend their quarantine in Finland will be provided with accommodation for 14 days. Quarantine accommodation will be provide primarily at the passenger's own expense.

Public transport not permitted

People arriving at the airport will not be able to leave using public transport, but they can leave using their own car.

f a returning traveller does not have their own vehicle and is unable to arrange transport home, a charter bus or taxi may be provided. Transport via charter bus began this afternoon.

The control arrangements will enter into force immediately.

Finavia is the primary authority responsible for the measures at the airport, while the Ministry of the Interior is responsible for border formalities and the Ministry of Transport and Communications is responsible for transport matters.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for healthcare measures.