COVID-19 – Information on the coronavirus

The coronavirus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces.

According to current information, the symptoms of the disease caused by the coronavirus include high fever, cough and shortness of breath. The disease is also associated with muscle pain, fatigue, flu, nausea and diarrhoea.

In order to contain the epidemic, the City of Joensuu follows the Government’s policies as well as the instructions given by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and Siun sote, which is the party responsible for healthcare services in North Karelia.

Do you believe you might have the coronavirus?

If you believe you might have the coronavirus, you should start by completing the Omaolo symptom check-up online (available in Finnish and English).

If you meet certain criteria, the Omaolo service will instruct you to call the emergency helpline on 116 117. Healthcare professionals will evaluate your situation and give you further instructions.

If you cannot access the online service, call the emergency helpline on 116 117 or contact your health centre.

Always call in advance before visiting a health centre or emergency clinic! During the coronavirus epidemic, the treatment of patients with infectious diseases is performed at designated health centres. Patients with infectious diseases in the Joensuu region are treated at the Siilainen health centre and patients in the Eno region are treated in Kontiolahti. You will be provided with instructions on the phone.
 

The latest guidelines and information on coronavirus testing can be found online at www.siunsote.fi/corona/en.

Information on corona vaccinations at https://www.siunsote.fi/koronarokotukset (in Finnish)

COVID-19 – Safety guidelines

Safety guidelines

Looking after each other – Keep these safety guidelines in mind when accessing our services

Stay home if you are not healthy

If you have any symptoms that indicate that you might be ill, you should stay home. The symptoms of a coronavirus infection include cough, sore throat, high fever, shortness of breath, muscle pain, stomach issues and headache.

Keep a safe distance

Maintain a distance of 2 metres between others.

Wear a face mask

The recommendation for the use of a face mask applies to people over 12 years of age.

Everyone is responsible for procuring face mask themselves, but one's financial situation must not be an obstacle to complying with the recommondation. You can get a face mask from a distribution point and being a customer of the social services is not required.

Wash your hands and use a hand sanitiser

Wash your hands carefully with plenty of water and soap always before eating or cooking, when you enter a building, after going to the toilet and after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Use hand sanitiser if it is not possible to wash your hands.

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if you have not washed your hands immediately before this.

Cough into a handkerchief or your sleeve

If you need to cough or sneeze, place a disposable handkerchief in front of your mouth and put it in a bin immediately after using it. If you do not have any handkerchiefs, cover your mouth with your elbow. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.

Use special discretion if you belong to a high-risk group

If you belong to a high-risk group, you should continue avoiding personal contacts, public events and spending time in public spaces. The decision is up to you: all of us need to consider what is wise in terms of our health.
People who belong to high-risk groups should pay particularly close attention to these safety guidelines.

CONTACT

Important telephone numbers

Emergency helpline 116 117 (open 24/7)

Medical helplines in Joensuu health centres
(8 am–4 pm on business days)

Eno 013 330 2214
Niinivaara 013 330 2213
Pyhäselkä 013 330 2218
Rantakylä 013 330 2212
Siilainen 013 330 2211

Tuupovaara 013 330 2219
(Mon–Thu 8 am to 4 pm, Fri 8 am to 3 pm)

Kiihtelysvaara 013 330 2215
(Mon–Thu 8 am to 4 pm, Fri 8 am to 3 pm)

Senior Consultation Service Ankkuri
+358 (0)13 330 2890 (Mon–Fri 8 am–4 pm)

The Senior Consultation Service Ankkuri phone service helps senior citizens in various everyday problems, such as matters related to emergency call services and meal services. If you have any questions related to health, do not contact the Ankkuri phone service.

National coronavirus hotline 0295 535 535 (Mon–Fri 8 am to 9 pm, Sat 9 am to 3 pm).
The hotline provides service primarily in Finnish, but it will, wherever possible, also provide advice in Swedish and English.

Counselling and support

You are not alone. Talk with a friend or family member. If you feel that you need to talk with a professional, you can call:

Social services emergency number
013 330 9002 (open 24/7)

Enhanced outpatient care for adult psychiatry
013 330 2132 (8 am to 9 pm).

The national crisis helpline also provides counselling:
09 2525 0113 in Arabic and English
(Mon–Tue 11 am to 3 pm, Wed 1–4 pm and 5–9 pm, Thu 10 am to 3 pm)

Counselling in everyday problems

Adult social services provide support, counselling and information in various everyday problems and when you need support in the case of an acute crisis or financial, substance abuse or mental health problems.

Social services
013 330 2810
(Mon–Thu 9 am–4 pm, Fri 9 am–3 pm)

Chat service
www.siunsote.fi/aikuissosiaalityon-palvelut (Mon–Fri 1 pm–3 pm)

ASK US!

The epidemic has a major impact on the city’s services and residents’ daily life. For more information about the city’s services during the coronavirus outbreak:

Please note! We only give out advice regarding the services of the City of Joensuu. For health-related guidance, please contact Siun sote, which is responsible for healthcare in North Karelia.