In Joensuu, some teaching groups and staff of Pataluoto, Noljakka and Pielisjoki schools and the University of Eastern Finland's Rantakylä normal school are quarantined in accordance with the Infection Act due to exposure to the coronavirus. The mapping and reaching of the exposed people is still partially in progress, but all those exposed from the Siun sote will be contacted by telephone on Sunday, November 15th.
Schools will inform students and staff about teaching arrangements through Wilma messages.
The exposures occurred during the beginning of the week and according to initial estimates, there are a few tens of people exposed to the coronavirus infection.
Other students and staff in the schools are not considered to have been exposed to the coronavirus because they have not been in close contact with a person with coronavirus. Siun sote reminds us, however, that it is important for everyone who has symptoms to contact health care and get tested if necessary.
– For others, school continues normally and you can come to school safely. The schools have prepared for the coronavirus in their arrangements and together they will do everything necessary to build a safe school environment, says Olli Kauppinen, Director of Education of the City of Joensuu.
Stay home during quarantine
The purpose of quarantine is to control the spread of infectious diseases. Those ordered for ten-day quarantine under the Infection Act must remain at home and must not be in close contact with outsiders during this time.
Family members of a quarantined person are not quarantined because they have not been in close contact with a person with coronavirus.
Quarantining does not automatically mean that you are infected. Healthcare gives families instructions on what to do if symptoms occur during quarantine.
Those placed in quarantine will be provided with a formal decision entitling a guardian for a child under the age of 16 to remain at home to care for their child, even if the child is healthy. The decision is based on the Communicable Diseases Act.