In U-turn, Finland to recommend remote working after Covid-19 surge

Published August 5, 2020
Health authorities said earlier on Wednesday that 29 new cases had been recorded over 24 hours. — File photo
Health authorities said earlier on Wednesday that 29 new cases had been recorded over 24 hours. — File photo

Finland plans to reintroduce a recommendation to work from home whenever possible just days after dropping it, due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, the minister in charge of managing the epidemic said on Wednesday.

Health authorities said earlier on Wednesday that 29 new cases had been recorded over 24 hours, raising the seven-day total to 98 from 52 in the previous seven days.

"The rise in infections gives reason to consider continuing remote working ...where it is possible," Minister of Social Affairs and Health Aino-Kaisa Pekonen wrote on Twitter, adding she had asked for official guidelines to be updated accordingly.

The recommendation in favour of remote working had ended at the end of July.

New infections remained very low throughout June and July, allowing Finns to enjoy their summer holiday season in relative security but prompting some to flout social distancing rules.

Finland's Covid-19 epidemic peaked in March and April but the quick introduction of containment measures including travel restrictions and the closure of schools and restaurants helped curb the number of infections.

Cases totalled 7,512, with 331 deaths, as of Wednesday.

Opinion

Editorial

May 9 fallout
Updated 09 May, 2024

May 9 fallout

It is important that this chapter be closed satisfactorily so that the nation can move forward.
A fresh approach?
09 May, 2024

A fresh approach?

SUCCESSIVE governments have tried to address the problems of Balochistan — particularly the province’s ...
Visa fraud
09 May, 2024

Visa fraud

THE FIA has a new task at hand: cracking down on fraudulent work visas. This was prompted by the discovery of a...
Narcotic darkness
08 May, 2024

Narcotic darkness

WE have plenty of smoke with fire. Citizens, particularly parents, caught in Pakistan’s grave drug problem are on...
Saudi delegation
08 May, 2024

Saudi delegation

PLANS to bring Saudi investment to Pakistan have clearly been put on the fast track. Over the past month, Prime...
Reserved seats
Updated 08 May, 2024

Reserved seats

The truth is that the entire process — from polls, announcement of results, formation of assemblies and elections to the Senate — has been mishandled.