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Recommendation to the employees and employers of healthcare and social welfare services and educational institutions in the coronavirus situation

Ministry of Education and CultureMinistry of Social Affairs and Health
Publication date 12.3.2020 8.06 | Published in English on 12.3.2020 at 15.23
Press release 46/2020

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Education and Culture will issue a recommendation to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect professionals and persons at risk.

The recommendation concerns the employers and employees of healthcare and social welfare services, providers of education and training including early childhood education, and higher education institutions, covering both the public and private sectors.

The ministries recommend that employees remain at home on a low-threshold basis if they have returned from an area affected by the coronavirus epidemic or experience flu symptoms.  In addition, it is recommended that employees be allowed, upon their notification, to work remotely for a period of time deemed necessary by the employer, for example.

Normal school work may need to be arranged in alternative ways in certain places to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It is important to remember the old advice: if you have flu or other symptoms, do not attend school or hobbies.

It is recommended that the employer take the measures provided for in the Municipal Civil Service Act, the Employment Contracts Act and the collective agreement for government employees in order to implement arrangements in accordance with the recommendation and to safeguard service capacity. Municipalities and joint municipal authorities shall follow their plans and guidelines on the impact of an epidemic on work and protection measures.

Inquiries

Kirsi Varhila, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 338, [email protected]

Anita Lehikoinen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358 2953 30182, [email protected]

Jaska Siikavirta, Director, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 394, [email protected]