Finland reverses policy, recommends facemask in public after uptick in COVID-19 cases

After months of repeatedly citing 'insufficient evidence' on effectiveness of facemasks, Finnish Health authorities have w recommended people to wear face masks and coverings in public. recommendation from rdic country's health authorities came on Thursday, August 13.

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Uptick in COVID-19 cases

According to reports, Mika Salminen, director of health security at Finland’s public health organisation THL, has stated that evidence proving effectiveness of masks is still 't particularly strong' but recommendation was given because even a small amount of impact is helpful against spread of COVID-19.

Finland is currently experiencing a sudden uptick in COVID-19 cases. As per reports, in early months of outbreak Finnish health authorities had vehemently rejected idea of recommending masks stating that if y were handled incorrectly, it could lead to spread of virus.

Even during  press briefing held on August 13, Salminen defended governments earlier decision on t recommending masks since COVID-19 cases were in sharp decline at time.

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According to reports, recent recommendation has some table exceptions;  rule does t extend to children under 15 and people in areas that have t experienced new cases in a fortnight are also exempt from wearing masks. Masks are being organised by local authorities for those that cant afford m. Moreover, some airports and harbours will w be performing mandatory COVID-19 testing.

coronavirus pandemic which saw its first outbreak in a wet market in Wuhan, China last year has w spread all across world. virus, named COVID-19 by World Health Organisation, has infected over 20 million people worldwide with global death toll reaching 751,033.

As per John Hopkins coronavirus resource centre, United States has reported a total of at least 5,223,131 positive virus cases and has a death toll of 166,483. US currently has highest number of reported cases in world, making it epicentre of virus.

(Im Credit Pixabay)

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