TOP RESEARCHERS AT AALTO UNIVERSITY, VTT, THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI, AND THE FINNISH METEOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE have joined forces to conduct joint research into the airborne origins of the Covid-19 virus, in the hopes of determining the best ways to reduce its spread. 

A WOMAN IN HELSINKI HAS TESTED POSITIVE for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first recorded case in the Finnish capital, reports Yle. The patient is believed to have contracted the virus during a recent trip to Northern Italy, a region that this week has seen a large spike in cases. 

AUTHORITIES IN THE AUTONOMOUS REGION of the Åland Islands have confirmed the first coronavirus cases in the area, with two people so far testing positive for the Covid-19 virus that has spawned over 500 confirmed cases on the Finnish mainland. Meanwhile, THL have confirmed the first death from the virus in Finland. 

THE SO-CALLED 'TEDDY BEAR CHALLENGE', which aims to keeps kids active and entertained during the Covid-19 shutdown that has put a halt to normal life for most children, has found popularity in Finland after the trend began in the US.

THE ICONIC KOLMEN SEPÄN STATUE in central Helsinki has been given a makeover to reflect the unusual times we find ourselves living in, as well as some messages of support for those who are struggling to cope with the new realities brought on by the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 

FINNISH AUTHORITIES ARE WORKING WITH A COMPANY to provide accommodation for Finns returning from abroad who cannot self-isolate safely, with a number of apartments near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport being repurposed for the task. 

The Finnish government suddenly woke up last Monday and implemented severe measures against the spread of Covid-19. Schools and borders are closed, all non-essential gatherings of more than ten people are forbidden, and the elderly and chronically ill were put in a high level of isolation. Most importantly, after a period of losing count, testing is to be ramped up.

AS FAMILIES, WORKERS, AND BUSINESSES in Finland continue to reel from the social and economic fallout from COVID-19, it is becoming increasingly clear that insurance companies in Finland may not be able to cover losses incurred as a result of the pandemic.

HELSINKI'S FINLANDIA HALL HAS BEEN ILLUMINATED in blue to pay tribute to healthcare workers and other people in Finland working in critical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis. The mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori tweeted that the illuminations would take place every Saturday night from now on. 

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC HIT FINLAND, the number of new confirmed cases is higher in the rest of the country that it is in Uusimaa, a drastic departure from Finland's COVID-19 experience that has previously seen the vas majority of cases confined to the capital region. 

SLIGHTLY OVER A YEARhas now passed since the parliamentary elections. Who would have thought last spring that discussions around the world would today be dominated by a single topic? The coronavirus epidemic and how countries are able to get back on their feet from the virus that has paralysed the entire world. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new coronavirus as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020.

“We are a group of concerned parents who started a PETITION to the Government on 13 March to close Universities, schools, daycares, public places and events due to the coronavirus outbreak. Following the announcement of THL on the testing approach and WHO recommendations to isolate, test, treat and trace in order to suppress and control the epidemic, we updated our petition to include also a plea to the Government to re-consider the testing approach.

The Finnish government has decided to reopen basic education starting May 14th for the rest of the academic semester, which ends at the beginning of June. The decision does not leave any leeway for municipalities, schools, teachers or parents, and makes it compulsory for everyone. Teachers in risk groups or kids who have high-risk family members should present a doctor's statement to stay home. Those who have "flu-like" symptoms can also stay home.

The state of Taiwan has donated the Northern hospital districts of Finland 200000 surgical masks for the fight against the coronavirus. The masks will be very useful, as the epidemic is severely testing especially the hospital districts of Länsi-Pohja and Kainuu. The masks have arrived to the preparedness storage of Oulu University Hospital in Kempele, from which they will be distributed further to the healthcare districts that need them the most. Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Taiwan Friendship Group Mikko Kärnä, involved in arranging the donation to Finland, is in deep gratitude to the state of Taiwan.

AUTHORITIES IN OSTROBOTHNIA HAVE APPEALED for information from the public following the partial destruction of a telephone mast in Pedersöre, believed to be the result of an intentional fire.

At the moment, the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been a major topic in China and around the world. 

Like many Chinese, I closely follow the daily development of the situation and feel worried about the increasing number of infections. Unfortunately, Finland confirmed the first case on January 29. A Chinese tourist was quarantined and diagnosed positive in Lapland, making Finland the third country with a confirmed case in Europe.

TWO NURSES in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) have found it difficult to get tested for the new coronavirus despite being sent home for experiencing symptoms associated with the virus, reports YLE.

One of the nurses even had recently returned from one of the areas worst hit by the epidemic in Europe.