JYU abandons the strong face mask recommendation

The University of Jyväskylä follows the recommendations of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and the local health authorities and abandons the strong face mask recommendation from 25 April.
Published
22.4.2022

According to health authorities, it is possible to give up using the face masks because the coronavirus pandemic is calming down in Finland and in the Jyväskylä region.

However, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare still recommends to continue using masks in indoor public spaces and on public transport if

  • you seek treatment or a test because of suspected infection with coronavirus
  • you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, but you need to move outside your home
  • you know that you have been exposed to the coronavirus but you are not able to avoid close contacts outside your home.

For those with symptoms, it is always recommended to stay home until the symptoms have abated.

Everyone can still use a face mask upon own consideration, for example, in indoor facilities in which it is difficult to avoid close contacts. Face masks are still available in all University buildings for the use of employees, students and visitors. The organisers of teaching are recommended to arrange additional face masks for their teaching sessions.

Based on the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employees, and students who participate in practical training, can be required to use face masks in situations in which their health security cannot be otherwise guaranteed. It is possible to require face masks, for example, in laboratory work or practical teaching in which it is necessary to work close to each other. The supervisor responsible for the activity or the teacher makes a risk assessment on the task and decides if masks are needed.

The requirement does not apply to persons for whom the Finnish Institute for Health and Safety (THL) does not recommend using a mask. According to THL, a face mask should not be used if it makes breathing unreasonably difficult or if other health-related issues prevent using a mask. Health reasons are confidential information and need not be explained in more detail between the persons involved.

Face mask guidelines at JYU

Further information:
corona.information@jyu.fi