Coronavirus: Information for the public

Coronavirus: Information for the public

If you are experiencing symptoms similar to a common cold, you should stay at home. If your symptoms worsen or you require medical care, contact a healthcare provider. You can help to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by avoiding contact with other people, working from home and washing your hands carefully.

What to do if you believe you may be infected

  • If your symptoms are mild (runny nose, cough, sore throat, muscle pain or a fever), stay home until you are well. Do not call healthcare helplines. That way you can help to ensure that those who are seriously ill get the care they need.
  • If your condition worsens and you need medical attention, contact your local healthcare centre or urgent treatment centre. Some municipalities have launched coronavirus helplines. You can also contact the Medical Helpline at 116 117. 
  • My Kanta Pages helps you also during the coronavirus outbreak. If you have not yet done so, please give your consent in My Kanta Pages for healthcare providers to also see your health data that has been recorded by other units.
  • If your symptoms are mild, treat them at home just as you would if you had a common cold. Get rest and drink plenty of fluids.

How to prevent the spread of the coronavirus

  • Always wash your hands when you come in from outside as well as before eating, after using the bathroom, after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose, or after touching common surfaces.
  • Whenever possible, communicate by phone or over the internet.
  • Work from home if you can. Conduct meetings online. 
  • Avoid travel and crowded places. Walk or use a bicycle.
  • If you return to Finland from another country, avoid close contact with others and remain home for 14 days.
  • Do not visit elderly people or ask grandparents for childcare help if your children are ill.
  • Stay at home even if your symptoms are mild. Use a tissue or cough into your elbow.
  • Clean your home carefully by wiping surfaces, door handles, light switches, computer keyboards and remote controls with universal cleaning products.
  • Have each family member use their own hand towel and change the towels at least once a week. Use disposable paper towels to dry your hands, at least in the kitchen.  Wash towels at 60°C.

How to get help with your pharmacy needs during the corona virus pandemic

  • If you are experiencing symptoms similar to a common cold, do not go to the pharmacy.
  • Persons over 70 and other risk groups should remain at home for the time being. 
  • Check if you can order the medication you need from an online pharmacy and have it delivered to your house.
  • If need be, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help you. They can pick up prescription medicines by using Suomi.fi authorisation or your Kela Card.
  • If you have no other options, you can also call a pharmacy. The pharmacy will deliver your medicine to a collect point or directly to your house.
  • If there is no other way, you can contact your local authority to get help with picking up your medicines. A municipal carer can e.g. pick up your medicines and other products from the pharmacy. Contact your local authority for advice and instructions.
  • More precise instructions how to pick up prescription medicines.

Where to get more information

Last updated 01.04.2020