Face mask usage recommended for the staff of comprehensive schools in the Metropolitan Area

In the metropolitan area, the coronavirus epidemic situation has been fairly stable in the last few weeks. However, in the very last few days there have seen signs of an accelerating epidemic. Also the worrying situation elsewhere in Europe gives reason for particular attentiveness. The metropolitan area’s coronavirus coordination group has prepared new recommendations and measures, which can be deployed quickly and immediately if the epidemic situation so requires. In addition, the group introduced a face mask recommendation for the staff of comprehensive schools, which is to be implemented already in the present situation. 

The coronavirus epidemic is still accelerating in the Metropolitan Area. The area’s coronavirus coordination group has introduced a face mask usage recommendation for the entire personnel of comprehensive schools. The coronavirus coordination group of the Metropolitan Area is prepared for the quick introduction of further recommendations and measures if the epidemic situation so requires.

The face mask recommendation concerns teachers and other school staff in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen. Exposure at schools can be reduced through the use of face masks by the personnel. Face masks contribute to the sufficiency of personnel through reducing the number of teachers and other employees quarantined due to exposure. By adhering to the mask recommendation, we can ensure the continuity of contact teaching.

The cities will purchase the face masks for the personnel. Should the use of a face mask be challenging during teaching or impossible due to a health-related reason, protective face shields can also be used. The personnel will be separately informed of the schedule of face mask deliveries to schools. However, voluntary adherence to the recommendation is possible immediately. If the coronavirus epidemic in the area escalates to the spreading phase, the mask recommendation will be extended to include the pupils of upper comprehensive schools.

The metropolitan area’s coronavirus coordination group is preparing local decision-making

The Cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, the National Institute for Health and Welfare, the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, and the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland established a regional metropolitan area coronavirus coordination group on 10 September 2020. The group applies the regional operating model of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and its aim is to strengthen the formation of a common situational picture and to coordinate and prepare regional and local measures.

Consisting of top-level executives and administrators, the group uses the shared situational picture to prepare and coordinate decision-making. The final decisions are made by the respective operators within the limits of their authority. The group will further intensify collaboration in the metropolitan area, which has been going on during the entire coronavirus crisis.

The City of Helsinki is responsible for organising the group’s operations.