The regional COVID-19 situation assessment workgroup of South Karelia met on 8 February 2022 and stated that the Omicron variant is still gathering momentum in South Karelia and that the peak of the current wave has not yet been reached in the region.
A total of 4,424 new laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in the Eksote area between 26 December 2021 and 8 February 2022. This is 58% of all the cases confirmed since the beginning of the pandemic. Of the positive tests, 3,129 were taken from persons aged 18 years or younger. The Omicron variant began to spread in the region after the Christmas season, and the figures clearly illustrate its ability to spread effectively among the population.
The number of infections is, in reality, significantly higher, but the exact number is not known because not everyone is tested. A large number of people develop only minor symptoms and do not require hospital care.
It is still considered to be purposeful to restrict the number of customers
In accordance with the decision made on Friday 4 February 2022 by the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI), no restrictions on the number of participants are currently valid in South Karelia. AVI’s decision, based on which operators must organise their operations so that the risk of infection caused by close contacts can be prevented, e.g., by restricting the number of customers or through seating and spatial arrangements, is still valid in the region.
─ The intensive care situation is still calm in the region as regards COVID-19, despite the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Some COVID-19 cases have been reported among the staff, which has increased the need for stand-ins, says chief infectious diseases physician Pekka Suomalainen in his review.
─ As regards other viruses, it is worth noticing that the occurrence rate of influenza has been very low, even though it has been circulating to some extent, e.g., in Eastern Europe and Eastern Estonia. The occurrence rate of norovirus has increased recently, which reflects the fact that people are now more in contact with each other, which enables the spread of viruses.
─ The official COVID-19 figures show a minor downward trend, but these figures are only indicative. Based on the official figures, the occurrence rate is currently 1,555.5 per 100,000 residents. Of all tests taken, roughly 32% were positive during the week 5, says the senior physician Sami Raasakka.
─ The actual number of infections is, however, a lot higher. A large number of people do not require hospital care and take a home test. The increasing number of infections among the healthcare service staff is, for the most part, due to exposures outside work. No worrying mass exposures or local epidemics have been observed among the staff.
COVID-19 infections have been found in the Pienniemenkatu intensified service housing unit in Lappeenranta. A few residents have been diagnosed with a coronavirus infection. It is difficult to trace the infection chain and, as a precautionary measure, no visitors are currently allowed in the unit.
The remote working recommendation will remain in force until 28 February 2022 and the mask recommendation is valid
─ Restrictions applied to the group sports activities of adults will, most likely, be removed on 14 February 2022. After this, groups can assemble subject to their own discretion. It is recommended that public health aspects will continue to be observed in group sports activities and other activities, says the chair of the situation assessment workgroup Tuula Karhula.
─ The remote working recommendation, the recommendation to wear a mask in public indoor premises, and the general hygiene recommendations will remain valid until the end of February. However, we hope that people will also continue to follow public safety instructions after this, as there is still a risk of a new wave and new COVID-19 clusters.
The basic instructions that should be followed at schools and in other public premises:
The valid decisions of the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI)
A decision based on section 58(d) of the Communicable Diseases Act (requirements for the use of premises intended for customers and participants) is valid:
The next meeting of the regional COVID-19 situation assessment workgroup will be held on Tuesday 15 February 2022.
Additional information for the media:
Tuula Karhula, chair of the situation assessment workgroup, tel. +358 40 194 4936, [email protected]
As regards the Pienniemekatu service housing unit: Hanna Rönkkönen, Service Manager, +358 40 127 4105, [email protected]
The South Karelian COVID-19 situation assessment workgroup includes representatives of the South Karelia Social and Health Care District, the municipalities, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the Regional State Administrative Agency, and the local ELY Centre. In addition to the number of and the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, the severity of the epidemic situation depends, e.g., on the traceability of infection chains and whether the virus was acquired within or from outside the region. The epidemic situation can change rapidly locally or regionally, even when the national situation is stable. The local COVID-19 situation assessment workgroup meets every other week, unless more frequent meetings are required.
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