COVID-19 epidemic measures and preparing for it in the administrative branch of the Ministry of Education and Culture

The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 epidemic have been lifted. The Ministry of Education and Culture aims to support the recovery from the crisis by awarding grants, for example. 

Epidemic prevention measures under the Communicable Diseases Act are primarily local and regional. Many organisations and individuals in society have also wanted to help and support others in people’s everyday arrangements and to make their own expertise available. 

The Finnish Government has approved an amendment to the Government Decree on Communicable Diseases by which COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus will no longer be classified as a generally hazardous communicable disease. In future, COVID-19 will be defined as a monitored communicable disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared on 5 May 2023 that COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. 

The Ministry of Education and Culture implements the policies and decisions taken by the Government and prepares the statutes necessary under its remit, for example. 

Under the Communicable Diseases Act, the Regional State Administrative Agencies have the power to close schools and educational institutions and to impose restrictions on assembly, for example.

The Finnish National Agency for Education advises and produces support material for education and training providers as well as schools and educational institutions.

Local authorities and joint municipal authorities are responsible for educational and cultural services and are obliged to make provision for ensuring that, even in exceptional circumstances, they are able to ensure the best possible execution of their duties. Higher education institutions are responsible for the safety and security of their own activities, taking into account existing statutes and decisions.