The impact of coronavirus  on education and culture

The hospital districts publish information on the prevailing situation with regard to the COVID-19 epidemic in their area and on the restrictions and recommendations in force that are used to prevent the spread of the virus. Links to information from different hospital districts are collected on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. 

The website can also be used to check which areas are included in the baseline, acceleration and community transmission phases of the COVID-19 epidemic. They are used to assess the need for recommendations and restrictions and how to target them. The hospital districts organise the work of public authorities in their area and monitor the situation together with the local authorities.

The regional state administrative agencies issue provisions on organising public events and general gatherings in accordance with the Act on Communicable Diseases. If necessary, municipalities can introduce more specific restrictions in the event of sudden mass exposure. 

• THL: The COVID-19 epidemic: regional situation, recommendations and restrictions

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) currently recommends the use of masks throughout the country. Further recommendations on the use of masks in different situations depend on the phase of the coronavirus epidemic and may vary by region.

In the acceleration and community transmission phases, wearing a mask is also recommended for all work communities as well as in indoor facilities for recreational and voluntary activities, if several people work and stay in the same facility. 

The recommendations on masks for citizens issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare primarily apply to people over 12 years of age. When the epidemic has reached an acceleration phase and a community transmission phase, the use of masks is recommended in higher education institutions, upper secondary education institutions and for pupils in classes 6–9 in comprehensive school. It is recommended that masks are worn in school transport and public transport on school trips. 

As this is a recommendation, it is not possible to oblige students to wear masks. However, students should be encouraged to use them and shown how to use them so that the potential spread of the epidemic can be prevented as effectively as possible.

Local authorities and hospital districts decide whether a recommendation should be introduced in their own area during an acceleration phase or community transmission phase. After this, each actor (e.g. education provider) decides how and to what extent the recommendation can be applied in practice.

As recommended by regional authorities, face masks can also be used in other situations where it is not possible to avoid close contacts. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has not issued a separate recommendation on the use of masks in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts. However, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends using masks in public indoor spaces and in public events where close contacts cannot always be avoided. For this reason, the use of masks is justified in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts in the same way as in other forms of education. 

• THL: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens

Ensure that children or adults who are ill do not attend early childhood education and care. It is also important to ensure that staff and children are not moved between groups and sites. Avoid forming large groups. Follow strict hygiene routines in early childhood education.

The provider of early childhood education and care is responsible for ensuring the safety of children and employees. The measures education providers should take include enhanced cleaning, reducing group sizes and forming permanent groups of staff and children.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) currently recommends the use of masks throughout the country. Further recommendations on the use of masks in different situations depend on the phase of the coronavirus epidemic and may vary by region.

In the acceleration and community transmission phases, wearing a mask is also recommended for all work communities as well as in indoor facilities for recreational and voluntary activities, if several people work and stay in the same facility. 

The recommendations on masks for citizens issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare primarily apply to people over 12 years of age. When the epidemic has reached an acceleration phase and a community transmission phase, the use of masks is recommended in higher education institutions, upper secondary education institutions and for pupils in classes 6–9 in comprehensive school. It is recommended that masks are worn in school transport and public transport on school trips. 

As this is a recommendation, it is not possible to oblige students to wear masks. However, students should be encouraged to use them and shown how to use them so that the potential spread of the epidemic can be prevented as effectively as possible.

Local authorities and hospital districts decide whether a recommendation should be introduced in their own area during an acceleration phase or community transmission phase. After this, each actor (e.g. education provider) decides how and to what extent the recommendation can be applied in practice.

As recommended by regional authorities, face masks can also be used in other situations where it is not possible to avoid close contacts. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has not issued a separate recommendation on the use of masks in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts. However, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends using masks in public indoor spaces and in public events where close contacts cannot always be avoided. For this reason, the use of masks is justified in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts in the same way as in other forms of education. 

• THL: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens

If a child becomes ill during the day, the symptomatic child must be immediately transferred to a separate space accompanied by an adult to wait for the arrival of the parent or carer. Adults must avoid close contact with the sick child by maintaining sufficient physical distance. Those who have symptoms should contact their own health centre and take a coronavirus test as instructed by their health centre.

Teachers who fall ill during the day must leave the school premises. The education provider must take the necessary measures to continue the interrupted teaching.

The person infected with COVID-19 must stay away from school or early childhood education and care for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms, or for a longer period, if necessary, so that he or she has been asymptomatic for at least two days before returning to school or early childhood education and care.

The physician responsible for infectious diseases in the municipality or hospital district is responsible for investigating transmission chains. If someone in early childhood education and care, in school or in an educational institution is diagnosed with COVID-19, those who might possibly have been exposed to it are tracked down and quarantined for 14 days.

The arrangements in all school premises will be made so that there are fewer children in them at one and the same time. If necessary, empty teaching facilities (e.g. secondary education institutions) can be used for this purpose.

In primary schools, the teaching groups will be kept separate throughout the school day. In lower secondary schools and in optional subjects, the teaching group may change if it is not possible to hold the lessons any other way.

If it is not possible to keep teaching groups separate, for example in lower secondary schools, effort should be made to ensure physical distancing arrangements and to stagger teaching as far as possible.

No regulations on safe distances between people have been issued. Groups do not need to be divided; instead, areas should be organised with more physical distancing between people.

Under the Assembly Act, activities in school and early childhood education and care do not constitute a general meeting or public event. The activities are not subject to any restrictions on assembly.

The regulations on group sizes and staffing sizes are in force as enacted in the legislation on basic education and on early childhood education and care. Groups larger than usual, such as combined groups consisting of several teachers, should be avoided in early childhood education, pre-primary education and schools.

School meals are to be arranged individually with the students’ own class or group; no joint meals in the lunchroom. However, the lunchroom can be used in turns. Proper hygiene when preparing and distributing food as well as during school meals should be ensured. In addition, break times can be staggered, for example.

The education providers will issue more detailed instructions on practical arrangements to meet the needs of each school.

If a pupil or their family member belongs to a risk group, the attending doctor will assess whether the pupil can return to school or early childhood education.

Cases of severe COVID-19 are very rare in children and the risk of severe cases has not risen in healthy children and adolescents whose underlying health condition is under therapeutic control. Those at risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19 comprise children whose underlying condition generally causes an increased risk of serious infections.

For those working in schools and early childhood education, the measures are based on a risk assessment carried out by the employer. Occupational healthcare supports the employer in the risk assessment.

The coronavirus action plan classifies the epidemic into three phases: baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase.  They are used to assess the need for recommendations and restrictions and how to target them. The phases can also be used as a basis for decision-making at regional and national level.

In its resolution of 22 October, the Government advocates that universities, universities of applied sciences, general upper secondary education, vocational education, basic art education for adults, liberal adult education and basic education for adults, transition to broader self-oriented distance teaching arrangements as a rule only when it is deemed absolutely necessary based on a regional epidemiological assessment carried out by the health authorities. 

In the acceleration phase, it is recommended that higher education institutions consider seriously the transition to distance teaching, but bearing in mind the need for essential contact teaching.
In the community transmission phase, it is recommended that general upper secondary schools, vocational education and training institutions, educational institutions for liberal education, educational institutions providing basic art education for adults, basic education for adults and higher education institutions consider seriously the transition to distance teaching altogether, but bearing in mind the need for essential contact teaching.

Education and training will be organised in accordance with operational legislation, taking into account the guidelines on hygiene and safety. The arrangements for distance teaching will be organised in such a way that their negative effects on the progress of studies can be minimised.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) currently recommends the use of masks throughout the country. Further recommendations on the use of masks in different situations depend on the phase of the coronavirus epidemic and may vary by region.

In the acceleration and community transmission phases, wearing a mask is also recommended for all work communities as well as in indoor facilities for recreational and voluntary activities, if several people work and stay in the same facility. 

The recommendations on masks for citizens issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare primarily apply to people over 12 years of age. When the epidemic has reached an acceleration phase and a community transmission phase, the use of masks is recommended in higher education institutions, upper secondary education institutions and for pupils in classes 6–9 in comprehensive school. It is recommended that masks are worn in school transport and public transport on school trips. 

As this is a recommendation, it is not possible to oblige students to wear masks. However, students should be encouraged to use them and shown how to use them so that the potential spread of the epidemic can be prevented as effectively as possible.

Local authorities and hospital districts decide whether a recommendation should be introduced in their own area during an acceleration phase or community transmission phase. After this, each actor (e.g. education provider) decides how and to what extent the recommendation can be applied in practice.

As recommended by regional authorities, face masks can also be used in other situations where it is not possible to avoid close contacts. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has not issued a separate recommendation on the use of masks in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts. However, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends using masks in public indoor spaces and in public events where close contacts cannot always be avoided. For this reason, the use of masks is justified in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts in the same way as in other forms of education. 

• THL: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens

Upper secondary students are better equipped to study independently than pupils in primary school. However, some students in secondary school may also lack certain learning skills, self-management skills or motivation to study. It has been particularly difficult for students belonging to different language and cultural groups with students from migrant background and for students who need special support to adapt to distance learning and independent studies.

It is important to support the most vulnerable students in these emergency conditions. Special arrangements have been made to provide guidance and support so that special needs teachers, student and guidance counsellors, and social workers can be contacted remotely. Students from migrant background have also been sent tasks on paper by mail if they do not have computers with remote connections or are not accustomed to using a computer or other digital tools in their studies. Some education providers have organised small-scale service points in their premises, where students in need of support or students in need of study equipment have been able to drop by.

The need for supporting students will continue even after the emergency conditions are over. Over the next school year, extra effort will be needed to bridge the skills and learning gaps that are being created under these emergency conditions. This means additional investment in education, guidance and other support measures. This work is being prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The coronavirus action plan classifies the epidemic into three phases: baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase.  They are used to assess the need for recommendations and restrictions and how to target them. The phases can also be used as a basis for decision-making at regional and national level.

In its resolution of 22 October, the Government advocates that universities, universities of applied sciences, general upper secondary education, vocational education, basic art education for adults, liberal adult education and basic education for adults, transition to broader self-oriented distance teaching arrangements as a rule only when it is deemed absolutely necessary based on a regional epidemiological assessment carried out by the health authorities. 

In the acceleration phase, it is recommended that higher education institutions consider seriously the transition to distance teaching, but bearing in mind the need for essential contact teaching.
In the community transmission phase, it is recommended that general upper secondary schools, vocational education and training institutions, educational institutions for liberal education, educational institutions providing basic art education for adults, basic education for adults and higher education institutions consider seriously the transition to distance teaching altogether, but bearing in mind the need for essential contact teaching.

Education and training will be organised in accordance with operational legislation, taking into account the guidelines on hygiene and safety. The arrangements for distance teaching will be organised in such a way that their negative effects on the progress of studies can be minimised.

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) currently recommends the use of masks throughout the country. Further recommendations on the use of masks in different situations depend on the phase of the coronavirus epidemic and may vary by region.

In the acceleration and community transmission phases, wearing a mask is also recommended for all work communities as well as in indoor facilities for recreational and voluntary activities, if several people work and stay in the same facility. 

The recommendations on masks for citizens issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare primarily apply to people over 12 years of age. When the epidemic has reached an acceleration phase and a community transmission phase, the use of masks is recommended in higher education institutions, upper secondary education institutions and for pupils in classes 6–9 in comprehensive school. It is recommended that masks are worn in school transport and public transport on school trips. 

As this is a recommendation, it is not possible to oblige students to wear masks. However, students should be encouraged to use them and shown how to use them so that the potential spread of the epidemic can be prevented as effectively as possible.

Local authorities and hospital districts decide whether a recommendation should be introduced in their own area during an acceleration phase or community transmission phase. After this, each actor (e.g. education provider) decides how and to what extent the recommendation can be applied in practice.

As recommended by regional authorities, face masks can also be used in other situations where it is not possible to avoid close contacts. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare has not issued a separate recommendation on the use of masks in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts. However, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare recommends using masks in public indoor spaces and in public events where close contacts cannot always be avoided. For this reason, the use of masks is justified in liberal adult education and basic education in the arts in the same way as in other forms of education. 

• THL: Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens

The restrictions placed on vocational education and training institutions were lifted on 13 May 2020. Since then, in other words from 14 May 2020, the use of the premises in the educational institutions for teaching purposes are managed by measures governed by the Communicable Diseases Act and teaching is provided in accordance with the legislation on vocational education and training.

However, in its Government Resolution of 6 May 2020, the Government recommends that distance learning continue in vocational education and training until the end of the term (until the end of May). Education providers are the ones to decide how much contact teaching is needed. In the summer, contact teaching will be arranged in line with the guidelines on hygiene and physical distancing.

Where education providers consider it necessary to provide contact teaching in the situations referred to above or otherwise, they must take into account the recommendations and instructions of the authorities regarding the COVID-19 epidemic in order to ensure the health and safety of students and staff.

The need for supporting students will continue even after the emergency conditions are over. In the future, extra effort will be needed to bridge the skills and learning gaps that the emergency conditions created. This means additional investment in teaching, guidance and other support measures. This work is being prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The studies will be evaluated in the manner defined in the national curriculum and the local curriculum.

In some subjects, there might be grounds to organise the demonstration of competence in the premises of the educational institution. In such cases, the guidelines and instructions of the authorities should be followed. However, even in these cases it would be advisable to try to find remote solutions that would allow the creation of sustainable practices that can also be applied in the coming academic year. Assessments in the course of studies and at the end of studies must be carried out based on demonstrations and evidence that are as versatile as possible. The students are informed of the assessment procedures for each course at the beginning of each course. The basic premise is that courses that are generally assessed in numerical terms should continue to be assessed numerically.

Education and training providers decide whether they want to organise entrance exams or aptitude tests and any additional proof of competence.

Education and training providers may choose not to organise entrance exams and aptitude tests if it is deemed expedient. Instead, other additional proof of competence that does not require the presence of the student in the same way as entrance exams and aptitude tests may be used as a basis for student selection if necessary.

Upper secondary students are better equipped to study independently than pupils in primary school. However, some students in secondary school may also lack certain learning skills, self-management skills or motivation to study. It has been particularly difficult for students belonging to different language and cultural groups with students from migrant background and for students who need special support to adapt to distance learning and independent studies.

It is important to support the most vulnerable students in these emergency conditions. Special arrangements have been made to provide guidance and support so that special needs teachers, student and guidance counsellors, and social workers can be contacted remotely. Students from migrant background have also been sent tasks on paper by mail if they do not have computers with remote connections or are not accustomed to using a computer or other digital tools in their studies. Some education providers have organised small-scale service points in their premises, where students in need of support or students in need of study equipment have been able to drop by.

The need for supporting students will continue even after the emergency conditions are over. Over the next school year, extra effort will be needed to bridge the skills and learning gaps that are being created under these emergency conditions. This means additional investment in education, guidance and other support measures. This work is being prepared by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

Workplace training and traineeships that are organised outside the educational institution will continue if the workplace can do so and the education provider and employer deem the working environment safe for the student.

If there is a high risk of contracting the coronavirus in the workplace, it is recommended that workplace training be suspended and continue only after the risk no longer exists.

In the health care sector, it is worth bearing in mind that health care students might have to help out if there is a shortage of personnel in health care should the epidemic last long.

Demonstrations may continue if the workplace can do so and the education provider and employer deem the demonstration environment safe for the student.

If there is a high risk of contracting the coronavirus in the workplace, it is recommended that demonstrations continue only after the risk no longer exists.

Financing will not be suspended; the payment of financing that has already been decided will continue as normal, as education and training have not been suspended. Student and performance data are recorded as normal, even though teaching is arranged in alternative ways instead of contact teaching. Student feedback is collected as before.

Finland welcomes international students and researchers, in all circumstances.

The higher education institutions are in charge of replying to all questions related to study arrangements and make all decisions on them, so please feel free to contact your own higher education institution.

The higher education institutions also decide on the size of tuition fees and determine the arrangements for collecting fees. The institutions thus also decide how to take account of the tuition fees and their collection as a result of delays in studies and graduation due to changes in teaching arrangements and in traineeships that have been cancelled or postponed.

• How covid-19 affects student admissions (Studyinfo.fi)
• How is covid-19 affecting studying in Finland? (Studyinfinland.fi)
• More information by the Finnish National Agency for Education 
• In matters concerning residence permits, please contact the Finnish Immigration Service
• In matters concerning social assistance,  please contact Kela

Universities and universities of applied sciences have decided to make changes to the spring admissions procedure. Entrance examinations that could bring together a large number of applicants physically in the same space will not be held.

A change has been made to this summer’s student admissions schedule because more time is needed for organising and evaluating the entrance exams, which will be held as two-stage exams.

The original deadline for notifying the applicants of the admissions results was 8 July 2020. The time has been put forward by a week and the new deadline is 15 July 2020. Correspondingly, the deadlines for accepting an offer of admission and the deadline for filling waiting list places be put forward.

As in normal circumstances, applicants will be informed of the results ahead of the deadline as and when the results of the applications are completed and decisions on accepting offers are confirmed by the applicants.

• More detailed information on the COVID-19 situation and student admissions will be published on studyinfo.fi.

Higher education institutions, educational institutions and other organisations that provide exchange programmes and projects decide how, together with the organisations they cooperate with, to implement their international activities and agree on measures for both outgoing and incoming student mobility.

The higher education institutions and educational institutions are essentially the ones to make the decisions on postponing, suspending and reorganising student exchange periods. They must follow the official press releases, contact those participating in international projects and advise them to contact the Finnish Embassy or Consulate, if necessary, for further instructions.

The international activities of EU projects can be prematurely suspended, carried out with another partner, postponed to a later date or cancelled. Notice of cancellation or postponement must be given as soon as possible to the Finnish National Agency for Education, which gives advice on how to proceed.

It is possible to apply for compensation based on force majeure clauses for mobility periods and expenses financed by the national agency in Finland via the Erasmus Plus and the European Solidarity Corps programmes. Force majeure practices may vary from country to country. The national agency of the country financing the project is always the one to decide on the reimbursement of project costs. For this reason, it is essential that the coordinating organisation should direct the process in line with the instructions of the national agency financing the project.

For non-EU exchange programmes, contact the organisation providing the funding.

For more information, please first contact the international services of your educational institution.

The provisions on student financial aid make it possible to take review the maximum time limits for student financial aid and sufficient progress in studies in an exceptional situation such as the one caused by the coronavirus.

If it has not been possible to study, the payment of student financial aid may be continued even if study attainment falls short, and the maximum period qualifying for financial aid for studies may be extended.

• More about how the coronavirus affects student benefits  

Municipalities and joint municipal authorities may issue municipal and regional recommendations for group leisure activities similar to the guidelines for organising public events. 

Leisure activities and the use of public spaces should be organised so that participants and parties can avoid close contact with one another in practice. This can be done by limiting the number of participants, by seating and space arrangements or by other means.

The coronavirus action plan classifies the epidemic into three phases: baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase.  They are used to assess the need for recommendations and restrictions and how to target them. The phases can also be used as a basis for decision-making at regional and national level.

In the acceleration phase, municipalities and joint municipal authorities may also recommend suspending high-risk indoor group leisure activities for adults (aged 18 and over) and, where possible, carrying out the activities in online form. Leisure activities are considered high-risk if close contacts and the risk of droplet infection at close range cannot be avoided. 

In the community transmission phase, it is recommended that municipalities and joint municipal authorities consider tightening the recommendations so that group leisure activities are temporarily suspended altogether, if necessary, based on restrictions on the use of spaces. 
In the case of children's and young people's leisure activities, and in basic art education and leisure activities for population groups with limited functional capacity, it is important to assess what effects the restrictions are like to cause. 

The purpose of the recommendations of the Government and the ministries is to support the activities of different actors and authorities, in particular when executing tasks governed by the Act on Communicable Diseases in municipalities, joint municipal authorities and regional state administrative agencies. The website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare can be used to check which areas are included in the baseline, acceleration and community transmission phases of the COVID-19 epidemic.

• THL: The COVID-19 epidemic: regional situation, recommendations and restrictions

The libraries opened gradually from June 1 2020. It was possible to borrow books from the libraries already before that. 

• Covid-19 and Finnish public libraries 

Decisions taken by the regional state administrative agencies under the Communicable Diseases Act apply to performances, concerts, shows and other public events. If the disease situation were to suddenly become worse, individual municipalities may impose tighter restrictions locally to prevent the epidemic from spreading.

The organisers of events and activities may draw up situation-specific, action-specific or event-specific recommendations. Such recommendations must take into account all decisions related to restrictions on gatherings and guidelines for public events, however.

No one with even the slightest symptoms of illness may attend public events or general gatherings or be in public spaces. 

By following the instructions issued by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Education and Culture on safe distancing and hygiene practices, it is possible to ensure the safety of participants and prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. 

The guidelines note that:

• To avoid close contacts, safe distances between people in public events, general gatherings and public spaces must be ensured: the number of attendees must be limited so that a distance of at least 1 to 2 metres between each person or each party is ensured 
• In situations where queues may arise or there is a higher risk of droplet infection, people must be reminded of and advised on how to maintain safe distancing
• The public should be guided to move ways that help avoid congestion
• Advance ticket sales are recommended as the main way of selling tickets.

Depending on the epidemiological situation, organisers may recommend the use of a mask if it is not possible to avoid close contacts throughout an event. 

Organisers are responsible for ensuring that their events are organised in a safe way for the participants and for verifying how the guidelines are applied to the arrangements in practice.

Organisers may need to split the activities by separating the audience and services into separate areas so that it is possible to comply with the guidelines at each event. 

Separate provisions are issued on the obligations that organisers holding events in the capacity of an employer have to protect employees. For those working in public premises, the measures are based on a risk assessment made by the employer. Occupational healthcare supports employers in the risk assessment.

In areas where the epidemic is at the baseline, all public events and meetings with more than 50 persons must be arranged in a way that ensures the safety of participants in line with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on 21 September 2020. If the epidemic reaches or is approaching the acceleration phase, the regional state administrative agencies may assess the need to apply these restrictions at all public events and meetings, regardless of the number of participants. The regional state administrative agencies may also impose additional requirements regarding the number of customers and seats and other arrangements in spaces so that people can avoid close contacts.

The number of participants at public indoor events may be limited to half the normal capacity. In the community transmission phase of the epidemic, the regional state administrative agencies may limit the number of participants to a maximum of ten persons or prohibit the organisation of events altogether.

It is the responsibility of every event organiser and participant to comply with the authorities' regulations, guidelines and recommendations in their activities, thus preventing the spread of COVID-19.

It is important to make sure that people comply with hygiene recommendations at public events, general gatherings and public spaces. This way it is possible to prevent infections and limit the number of people exposed to the virus.

The organisers of events and activities may draw up situation-specific, action-specific or event-specific recommendations. However, the recommendations must take into account guidelines, such as those issued by the regional state administrative agencies, related to restrictions to gatherings and guidelines for public events. 

To prevent the COVID-19 epidemic from spreading, it is advisable to avoid events, gatherings and public spaces if there are even the slightest signs of illness. It is important to make sure to respect safe distancing, so that a distance of 1 to 2 metres is maintained between individuals or parties of people. 

It is recommended that advance ticket sales be organised either via an electronic broker service or in some other way as the main way of selling tickets.

Depending on the epidemiological situation, organisers may recommend the use of a mask if it is not possible to avoid close contacts throughout an event. In close contact, the risk of infection through droplets increases; for example, during strenuous use of voice when cheering.
In the acceleration and community transmission phases of the COVID-19 epidemic, municipalities and joint municipal authorities may issue municipal and regional recommendations for public spaces similar to the safety guidelines used when organising public events. In the acceleration phase of the epidemic, municipalities may also recommend that the number of users of spaces be limited to half of the normal permitted number. In the community transmission phase, municipalities must consider whether it is advisable to temporarily suspend the use of public spaces altogether. When making recommendations, particular attention must be paid, where appropriate, to how the spaces are being used and how the restrictions would affect children and young people, for example.

The organisers of leisure activities are responsible for complying with guidelines and recommendations. Municipalities are responsible for the prevention of infectious diseases in their own area, and they also decide on possible restrictions in the premises that are used for leisure activities. Sports associations, the Olympic Committee, cultural organisations and youth organisations are encouraged to draw up more detailed guidelines to make leisure activities safer. 
Municipalities and joint municipal authorities may issue municipal and regional recommendations for group leisure activities similar to the guidelines for organising public events. Hospital districts may also issue more detailed regional and local recommendations.

The purpose of the recommendations of the Government and the ministries is to support the activities of different actors and authorities, in particular when executing tasks governed by the Act on Communicable Diseases in municipalities, joint municipal authorities and regional state administrative agencies. The coronavirus action plan classifies the epidemic into three phases: baseline, acceleration phase and community transmission phase.  They are used to assess the need for recommendations and restrictions and how to target them. The phases can also be used as a basis for decision-making at regional and national level.

In its resolution of 22 October 2020, the Government recommends that municipalities may, in the acceleration phase of the epidemic, recommend suspending indoor group leisure activities for adults (aged 18 and over) in situations where there is a high risk of infection and the activities are types of activities that are considered to cause high risk of infection. Leisure activities are considered high-risk if close contacts and the risk of droplet infection at close range cannot be avoided. Leisure activities for all age groups should be organised so that participants and parties can avoid close contact. In areas that are in the community transmission phase, the Government recommends suspending group leisure activities altogether if necessary. However, special discretion should be used when considering whether to suspend children’s and young people’s leisure activities and the leisure activities of population groups with limited functional capacity. 

The municipal bodies responsible for combating communicable diseases are primarily responsible for making decisions on closures of premises and the prohibition of public meetings or public events. The regional state administrative agencies may make such decisions when the decisions are needed for an area covering several municipalities.

Some leisure activities may be seen as a public event or a general gathering. Such events are subject to restrictions for public events imposed by the regional state administrative agencies. For example, the activities and events of sports clubs and other recreational clubs that do not have an audience and are not open to everyone are not public events or public gatherings. 

• THL: The COVID-19 epidemic: regional situation, recommendations and restrictions

Factors that have a bearing on the risk of infection in leisure activities include the number of participants, the size of the space being used for the activities and air conditioning in the space, and the quality of the activities. Leisure activities are considered high-risk if close contacts and the risk of droplet infection at close range cannot be avoided. 

A comprehensive list of leisure activities or types of sport at high risk of coronavirus infection has not been drawn up, but the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare's recommendation on the risk of coronavirus infection in indoor sports and cultural activities can be used for assessment purposes.

In essence, the risk of infection increases if

• it is not possible to ensure adequate safe distancing (at least 2 metres between each person on a continuous basis),
• masks cannot be used
• the leisure activity involves shortness of breath or strenuous use of voice.

The risk of coronavirus is higher especially in indoor team and contact sports where it is difficult to avoid contact with others. According to studies, singing in a choir has also been associated with an increased risk of infection. 

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Ministry of Education and Culture is flexible in ensuring that the necessary costs of supported activities or projects, such as those arising from previously booked journeys or from facilities and accommodation reservations made, can be covered with a discretionary government grant.

Instructions on discretionary government grants related to the coronavirus outbreak:

It is possible to apply for an extension depending on the terms and conditions of the discretionary government grant.
Under the conditions and restrictions of discretionary government grants, extra time may be requested for the submission of documents and appendices. The recipients of general grants must submit their reports on the activities supported by a government grant by the deadline. If the financial statements have not been audited, the report may be accompanied by unaudited financial statements signed by the Board of Directors. The audited financial statements must be submitted at a later date as a supplement to the report if they deviate from the ones signed by the Board of Directors.

Government grant recipients must notify the government grant authority without delay of any changes affecting the use of the government grant in accordance with its purpose and any other change affecting its use.
The use of the discretionary government grant must not clash with the purpose, terms and restrictions of the decision on the discretionary government grant.

If the discretionary government grant you have received (or part of it) will not be used because an event had to be cancelled, please contact the officer who presented the discretionary government grant. Return the unused grant (or part of it) as specified under the conditions and limitations in the decision on the discretionary government grant. You do not need to pay interest on the sum you return.

The Ministry of Education and Culture advises all recipients of discretionary government grants to follow official communications and instructions on the coronavirus. 

Inquiries: [email protected] 

Entrepreneurs are temporarily entitled to labour market support to deal with the sudden and unforeseen decline in demand due to the coronavirus epidemic. This solution applies to all entrepreneurs regardless of the type of business. Labour market support may be paid for the period 16 March 2020–31 December 2020.

More information:

Questions and answers on entrepreneurs’ right to unemployment security
Coronavirus: Guidance for businesses