Coronavirus COVID-19 – current issues

We are continuously updating this page with information about the coronavirus and the University of Oulu's guidelines.  For more detailed instructions for staff regarding for example arrangements of working and teaching, please refer to the intranet Patio.

The University of Oulu has switched entirely to distance learning and closed its campuses from students, in accordance with the guidelines from the Government of Finland. Closure of premises will last until May 13.

Only important research, development and innovation tasks that can’t be done remotely will be allowed on campuses. When working in the university facilities, strict distance and hygiene instructions must be followed. All meetings are organized as web meetings. 

The closure also applies to the university library, sports hall, gym and public exhibitions of the botanical garden. Guided teaching practice in the practice school has been suspended. See Library services during the COVID-19 situation

You can prevent the spread of coronavirus by your own actions

  • Stay at home when ill.
  • Keep a safe distance of 3 metres to others and greet others without touching.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If these are not available, use alcoholic hand sanitisers. Use disposable towels to dry your hands. 
  • Cough or sneeze into a paper handkerchief or the crook of your elbow or the upper  sleeve.
  • Discard used handkerchief in the trash as soon as you can and always wash your hands after blowing your nose.

What to do if you suspect a coronavirus infection

If you suspect or know that you have been in contact to a person exposed to coronavirus, you do not need to react, but can live normally with general precautions. The hospital district will provide instructions to close contacts of a patient who has been diagnosed with coronavirus.

The COVID-19 sampling criteria have changed in Finlad (THL 14.3.2020). When infection is suspected, samples are primarily taken from patients with severe respiratory symptoms and from health and social care personnel. From those with mild symptoms and those returning from travel samples are taken based on a physician's evalution. Asymptomatics are not tested.

If you have symptoms of a mild respiratory infection such as rhinitis, cough, sore throat, myalgia or fever, rest at home. This will help ensure that those suffering from serious symptoms receive treatment. Stay at home and avoid close contact with others until symptoms stop. Do not take ill children to daycare or grandparents. This protects the elderly and other particularly susceptible to coronavirus.

Hospital district telephone services have been severely congested due to inquiries. Therefore, a 24/7 health guidance helpline should only be called if you are experiencing a clear respiratory infection which will significantly impair your well-being. Contact the hospital by telephone to prevent the disease from spreading to others. The health guidance helpline for the Oulu region is 08 315 2655.

Mehiläinen, the occupational health care provider at the University of Oulu, can be connected via phone or the digital clinic.

Useful links

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare monitors the international situation and updates the page “Current information concerning the coronavirus” (THL)

Information about the coronavirus COVID-19 (THL)

Frequently asked questions about coronavirus COVID-19 (THL)

Oulu University Hospital instructions 

Coronavirus information (City of Oulu)

News from Finland in English (Yle News)

Corona news from Finland in Arabic, in Somali, in Kurdish and in Persian (Yle)

 

More information