Extra testing and separate guidelines for air passengers arriving from London on Sunday

A mutation of the coronavirus has been found in the UK which is believed to be more contagious than the previous version. According to current information, the illness caused by the mutated virus is not more serious than the previous one.

Coronavirus tests were administered to all 170 passengers on a flight arriving from London after 23:00 on Sunday. “The flight was not originally among those to be tested, but after we were informed on the matter, we brought additional personnel to take samples at the airport. The tests of people arriving from Britain were completed in a couple of hours without interfering with other testing activities”, says Eero Hirvensalo, Medical Director of Disasters.

Hirvensalo says that a congenial atmosphere prevailed during the testing. In connection with the test, the passengers were given stricter instructions for voluntary quarantining in announcements, personally in connection with the taking of samples, and in writing.

If any of the passengers test positive, their tests will be re-examined to see if a mutated version of the virus is involved.

“We are cooperating with different officials to get in touch with all passengers today when the results of the tests are ready. All passengers with a negative test result will be asked to take a second test after three days”, says Head Physician Asko Järvinen.

The enhanced voluntary quarantine for arrivals from the UK will continue until a negative result comes from the second sample. Passengers who refuse a second test will be contacted and they will be expected to continue their voluntary quarantine for ten days.