COVID-19 epidemic measures and preparing for it in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture
The measures taken by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the agencies, institutions and other bodies in its administrative branch seek to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to alleviate the harm caused by it. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in cooperation with other authorities. Epidemic prevention measures under the Communicable Diseases Act are primarily local and regional.
The Ministry of Education and Culture implements the policies and decisions taken by the Government and prepares the statutes necessary under its remit, for example. The Ministry collects information on the situation and monitors the impact of the epidemic in its area of responsibility and in the services used by people. The Ministry aims to support the recovery from the crisis by awarding grants, for example.
Under the Communicable Diseases Act, the Regional State Administrative Agencies have the power to close schools and educational institutions and to impose restrictions on assembly, for example.
Under the current exceptional arrangements caused by the COVID-19 situation, the Finnish National Agency for Education advises and produces support material for education and training providers as well as schools and educational institutions.
Local authorities and joint municipal authorities are responsible for educational and cultural services and are obliged to make provision for ensuring that, even in exceptional circumstances, they are able to ensure the best possible execution of their duties. Higher education institutions are responsible for the safety and security of their own activities, taking into account existing statutes and decisions.
Many organisations and individuals in society have also wanted to help and support others in people’s everyday arrangements and to make their own expertise available. This work will be promoted by means of the ‘Finland forward’ campaign.
News
Guidance on group leisure activities for children and young people
Common principles for event industry to organising events during COVID-19
Updated recommendations for early childhood education and care, schools, educational institutions and higher education institutions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
Instructions to support the safe organisation of contact teaching and the use of premises
Reforms go ahead – the General Government Fiscal Plan secures funding for extending compulsory education
Government proposes additional funding to address impacts of coronavirus on culture and sport sectors in its second supplementary budget proposal
Restrictions on early childhood education and care, primary and secondary education and vocational education and training extended until 13 May
Finnish foundations and ministry provide millions in emergency aid for cultural sector in distress
Guidelines and recommendations
- Guidelines on the prevention of coronavirus infections at public events and gatherings and in the use of public spaces 21.9.2020
- MoEC THL guidelines on the organisation, restriction and suspension of leisure activities for children and young people
- MoEC THL recommendations for indoor activities 231020.pdf
- MoEC THL recommendations to education and early childhood education and care 4.8.2020