The websites of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health contain instructions on the safe use of face masks. In addition, the website of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency contains instructions on how to sell and purchase face masks.
In order to prevent coronavirus infection, it is essential to maintain adequate physical distances, good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. In Finland, the Government has not issued a general recommendation on the use of face masks but considers that they can be used to protect other people in places and situations where it is not possible to avoid close contact. Such situations may arise, for example, in public transport during peak hours.
Medical masks should be still reserved for use by social welfare and health care workers and those at risk.
Taking into account the epidemiological situation in Finland, the national policies on the use of different medical masks, respirators and face coverings are in line with the new guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Information on homemade face masks
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Using cloth face masks
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Information on obtaining a face mask (in Finnish)
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)
Information for companies on respiratory protective equipment
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)
Information on medical masks and respirators
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Transmission and protection – coronavirus
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
WHO's advice on the use of masks
WHO
Further information
Government decides on face masks and discusses border traffic in its informal meeting
Prime Minister's Office press release 3 June 2020
