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Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Some slow-down in the coronavirus epidemic in the past two weeks

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Publication date 4.6.2020 10.01 | Published in English on 4.6.2020 at 11.04
Press release 140/2020

According to the assessment published on 4 June 2020, the coronavirus epidemic has continued to slow down compared to the situation two weeks ago.

The weekly average of cases reported to the communicable diseases register has decreased clearly from that reported two weeks ago, but it is about the same as last week.

Now the estimated basic reproduction number is 0.75–0.80. This means that in Finland the trend in the coronavirus epidemic has been decreasing for quite some time.

During the last period (25–31 May 2020) no new cases were reported in eight hospital districts.

The number of patients hospitalised due to the disease has also decreased considerably from the situation two weeks ago. In the catchment areas for highly specialised medical care of the university hospitals, the healthcare situation is quite calm. The intensive care capacity was not exceeded at any point. Of all hospitalised patients, almost 80% have been in hospitals within the catchment area for highly specialised medical care of the Helsinki University Central Hospital. 

At present, the coronavirus testing capacity of laboratories is more than 13,000 samples per day. During the period 25–31 May the number of people tested for coronavirus was smaller than in the previous weeks.

The aim for Finland is to test all cases where the acute phase of the coronavirus infection is suspected. This means that the threshold for taking the test and for people to have themselves tested should be low.

In Finland an estimated 5,800 people have recovered from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The assessment of the coronavirus situation published today and earlier assessment reports are available on the website of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

The impact of Finland’s hybrid strategy to combat the COVID-19 epidemic is monitored by means of epidemiological, medical and functional indicators. The strategy aims to prevent the spread of the virus in Finland, protect the capacity of the healthcare system and shield and protect people, especially those who are most at risk.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare produce weekly assessments of the situation with respect to the epidemic, both nationally and in different regions.

Inquiries:

Taneli Puumalainen, Chief Medical Officer, [email protected] (epidemic situation)
Kari Auranen, Professor, [email protected] (projection models)
Liisa-Maria Voipio-Pulkki, Strategic Director, [email protected] (situational picture and modelling group)