Finland: Authorities to suspend flights with Ireland, and South Africa Jan. 11-18 due to new strain of COVID-19 /update 10

Finland suspends flights with Ireland and South Africa Jan. 11-18 due to new COVID-19 strain. Other entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Finland plan to suspend commercial flights with Ireland and South Africa Jan. 11-18 as part of the nation's response to the emergency of new strains of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Moreover, Finland's existing suspension of flights with the UK, which entered into force Dec. 21 amid concerns over mutations in the virus, has been extended until at least Jan. 18. Authorities have also barred all travelers from the UK who are not Finnish citizens or residents from entry due to the same concerns.

Current COVID-19 international entry restrictions not directly related to the new disease strains will remain in place until at least Feb. 9. Travelers arriving from all Schengen Area countries, plus Andorra, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Monaco, Romania, San Marino, are only permitted to enter Finland if they are returning legal residents, traveling for essential purposes, or arriving for work-related or family reasons.

Authorities also advise that arrivals from the above locations self-isolate for 10 days upon entering the country. Travel remains permitted for local border communities along the borders with Sweden and Norway; people are able to travel for work to Finland from Sweden and Estonia without a 10-day self-isolation period. Leisure travel, with the exception of leisure boating, from all the aforementioned countries, is not allowed.

Authorities previously relaxed entry restrictions for travelers arriving from Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Thailand, and Vatican City; legal residents of these countries may enter Finland without restrictions. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for returning residents and persons arriving for critical work-related or essential family reasons; authorities recommend that these arrivals also self-isolate for 10 days. Authorities are reviewing all entry restrictions on a weekly basis.

Authorities advise that travelers can shorten the necessary self-isolation period by taking two voluntary COVID-19 tests. Travelers should take the first test up to 72 hours before arrival, or at the airport upon arrival for Finnish citizens and residents, and the second test no earlier than 72 hours after entry into the country. Such individuals should remain in self-isolation until the result is known. If the test result is negative, the self-isolation period ends; if the test result is positive, the person will be placed in quarantine until they have recovered.

Domestic restrictions remain in effect. In Helsinki and the wider Uusimaa region, all indoor and outdoor public events are suspended indefinitely. Residents of the capital region are advised to refrain from traveling outside the region. Cultural venues and most leisure facilities remain closed. Authorities are permitting most nonessential businesses to reopen, including shops, catering establishments, cultural institutions, and educational facilities to operate, although authorities recommend the implementation of strict social distancing and hygiene measures; businesses must stop serving alcohol after 2400. Tighter restrictions may apply in areas where COVID-19 activity is higher, as well as in popular tourist destinations.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel plans and business appointments. Carry proper identification and other necessary travel documents to present at security checks. Plan for processing delays if traveling or routing cross-border freight. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.