The Institute of Health and Wellness recently noted that face masks are still needed in some areas and people can still decide for themselves to use them.
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The Finnish Federation of Commerce and the Finnish Grocery Trade Association (PTY) on Tuesday called for the abandonment of recommendations for the use of masks in shops and stores.
After about two years of recommending the use of protective devices, the groups’ announcement came shortly after the Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) announced it was dropping its blanket face mask recommendation.
However, THL said general mask guidelines in Finland still vary by region. For example, the regional mask recommendation is still in effect in the Helsinki metropolitan area.
THL added that employers make decisions about mask use based on their own risk assessment. THL’s regulatory guidelines only apply to customers, not employees.
The Trade Federation and the PTY say they will continue to compile mask recommendations for businesses based on recommendations from regional hospital districts.
Finland’s state-owned rail company VR moved from mandatory mask restrictions to a recommendation last month. The Helsinki Regional Transit Authority (HSL) still maintains its mask recommendation despite the health authority’s announcement.
The mask recommendation for the Capital Region as a whole is still in effect. The mask recommendation also still applies to students in grade six and up, when on school premises and for people over the age of 12 in indoor spaces or sharing a vehicle.
Outside the Helsinki region, mask recommendations are still in effect in Tampere, Turku, Kouvola, Oulu and other municipalities.
