The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has recommended that the duration of coronavirus quarantine for people exposed to the virus be reduced to 10 days.
In a press release, THL said that the current 14-day quarantine period for people who have contracted the virus will remain, but those exposed to the virus can end quarantine early if a test taken after the sixth day proves to be negative.
Despite the shortened isolation period, people exposed to the virus should still closely monitor symptoms up to 14 days after exposure. A coronavirus test appointment should also be booked as soon as symptoms develop, even if considered to be minor.
The updated THL guidelines do not apply to isolation periods initiated before the new recommendation was issued on 2 August.
Isolation guidelines were updated because a shorter quarantine period has proved sufficient in limiting the spread of the virus, and because fundamental rights such as freedom of movement can only be restricted on the basis of legal implications and only when absolutely necessary, THL added.