A large number of Finnish tourists are returning from different parts of the world on repatriation flights. An this will continue over the next few days. In order to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection, the Finnish Government intends to send health care professionals to give them instructions.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the Border Guard will distribute instructions to everyone arriving in Finland directing them to a two-week home quarantine.
Passengers arriving at the airport will receive guidance in the form of announcements and informative brochures on the coronavirus (koronavirus, in Finnish), mitigation measures and treatment. The instructions also advise passengers to maintain a safe distance from other people and avoid close contact.
Upon landing at the airport, passengers will be received by healthcare professionals who will guide and advise them personally. The Finnish Red Cross (SPR) is supporting healthcare professionals in receiving passengers and providing guidance.
"The healthcare professionals and SPR volunteers will work in two shifts, so there are always skilled people available to assist in health-related matters," the Government explained.
Maintain a safe distance
Due to the large number of incoming tourists, particular attention has been paid to the movement of returning tourists at and around the airport.
At the airport, Finavia will instruct returning tourists to maintain a safe distance of at least one metre in line with the instructions of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Passengers will be provided with waiting areas in front of border checks, where they can wait before moving to the border check counter. This way, passengers can maintain a safe distance from one another, which would not be possible in a tight queue.
Guidance on returning home
The number of passengers arriving at a time will be limited using airport buses, which will bring passengers from the aircraft to the terminal.
Announcements at the airport will provide guidance to passengers on how to proceed with their journey home.
Passengers arriving on international flights are urged to avoid public transport in order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
"People already placed under quarantine at the border must refrain from using public transport as far as possible and must follow the instructions they receive," emphasized the Government.
