Visits to Helsinki area hospitals banned due to coronavirus

Hospitals and health care units in the Helsinki-Uusimaa hospital disctrict (HUS) are currently subjected to a visit ban due to coronavirus (koronavirus, in Finnish).

The measure is in charge of restrictions on movement and access to public facilities announced on Monday by the government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

According to HUS, the restriction affects patient's relatives and shall remain in force indefinitely. However, some exceptions may be made "for serious reasons" at the discretion of each unit and on a case-by-case basis.

HUS explained that the reason for this ban is that visits expose staff and patients to possible Covid-19 infection.

Individuals and groups

In principle, this restriction will ban all visits -by groups and by individual visitors- to HUS facilities.

This general rule may be waived on a case-by-case basis by a treatment unit if the relative or escort of a patient who is seriously ill is needed to assist them. Still, the hospital will check that the visitor does not show any symptoms of respiratory infection.

This decision does not apply to asymptomatic relatives of pediatric wards . In fact, maternity wards will allow one spouse or support person at birth.

Permitted visitors will be requested to wash their hands when entering or exiting hospitals, wards, and patient rooms.