The number of new coronavirus infections has rebounded in Finland in recent days along with the incidence of new cases, which continues to rise.
Even so, the situation is much less serious than in other European countries, hence the government calls it "moderate" despite several recent massive exposures.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health admits in its latest assessment that the weekly numbers and incidence of cases have risen since early August, compared to the situation in June and July.
During the latest week assessed (31 August to 6 September), a total of 223 new cases were reported to the communicable diseases register. In the previous week, the number of reported cases was 145.
Currently, the estimated basic reproduction number is 1.20–1.25, with a 90 per cent probability, stable from the previous week. This value indicates how much the virus is spreading. A reproduction rate higher than 1 means that, on average, each patient carrying the disease infects more than one person.
6.6 cases per 100,000 people
The incidence of new cases during the period of 31 August – 6 September was 4 per 100,000 inhabitants. And in the last two-week period (24 August – 6 September) it was 6.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure is important because the Finnish government has established a maximum of 8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous 14 days, or alternatively 10 cases for certain countries, as the maximum limit to allow unrestricted border traffic.
According to the Ministry, there is a growing number of mass exposures, particularly during leisure time.
The virus has spread in family gatherings and workplaces and through other social contacts. Over the past few weeks, several mass exposures have also been reported in daycare centres, different educational institutions and workplaces.
39 new infections
On 10 September 2020, the Finnish health authorities reported 39 new infections. A total of 6 patients were receiving hospital care due to the COVID-19 disease. Of them, 1 was in intensive care.
So far, the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has reporte 8,469 coronavirus cases and 337 deaths.
An estimated 7,500 people have recovered, which is nearly 90% of reported cases. 778,900 people have been tested, according to THL.
