Over 30 COVID-19 cases in the same chain of infection have been reported among school students during the past two weeks in Joensuu. Cases of infection were first found in Nepenmäki school, and then the coronavirus has spread through hobbies and other ways to a wider area including other schools in Joensuu. Cases have been found in six schools in total, many hundreds have been exposed, and almost 200 have been put into quarantine.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is very important that students do not go to school or hobbies if they have symptoms of infection, and that they go to a corona test if needed.

Children that have turned 12 should still get tested for COVID-19 even for mild symptoms if they have not been fully vaccinated. Children of all ages should get tested even for mild symptoms if cases of infection have been found in their school, among their friends or family, or in their hobby group. The test is the only way to distinguish COVID-19 from other circulating viruses that cause respiratory symptoms.

According to the current national guidelines, only people who have been closely exposed are put into quarantine, while others are instructed to monitor for symptoms. Because of multiple cases in the same classes, some whole classes have also been put into quarantine.

Schools will inform guardians, students, and staff if COVID-19 restrictions will be put into place at their schools. There are currently no restrictions that apply to all schools in Joensuu.

Going to a test: Omaolo service in Finnish, Swedish and English. For other languages, reserve a time through the phone. www.siunsote.fi/en/web/english/coronavirus-testing

Returning to school/day care: Siunsote will give instructions on when children may return to school and day care after their infection or the infection of a friend or family member. Please follow these instructions and wait for instructions from Siunsote.