Jussi Sane, Chief Specialist and Team Leader (Preparedness and Response) at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) answers questions posed by our readers. 

Schools reopening

1. Isn’t it a risk to open schools when there is so much we don’t know about the disease?

Masks

2. Would it help slow the spread of the virus if everyone wore masks in public places, even if they are homemade or fabric masks because of the shortages? 

3. So should people wear masks when they go outside?

4. What is THL’s official recommendation on masks?

Situation in Finland

5. How many people have recovered from Covid-19 in Finland?

6. Is there a risk of reinfection? Has Finland seen any cases of recovered patients getting reinfected?

7. What is the estimated case fatality rate for coronavirus in Finland? 

8. How does it compare with the original estimates from THL?

9. Has Finland already experienced the peak of its epidemic?

10. Is there likely to be a ‘second wave’ of coronavirus cases especially if the social restrictions are lifted?

Testing, disease and recovery

11. When will antibody testing be available? 

12. If someone has the antibodies to the virus, does that mean they are immune and can safely go out? How long can this immunity last?

13. Is there a plan to handle asymptomatic cases who might spread the virus? How long do asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus remain infectious? 

14. How long does it take for a person to recover fully from coronavirus?

15. What precautions should people take when they go outside for a stroll, hike or run?

Treatment plan

16. What treatments are being used for Covid patients in Finland?

17. What have the results been so far? 

18. How does the Covid-19 test work? Is it standard across the country? What labs are being used for the tests?

Mythbusters

19. Does UV light kill the virus or disinfect things brought from outside the home?

20. Will milder temperatures affect the virus transmission rate?

21. Is it enough to clean floors, door handles and other surfaces with soap or dishwashing detergent if there is no disinfectant cleaner? What are effective product ingredients to look out for?

22. Can the virus spread in public places like supermarkets, pharmacies just through talking, breathing and being in close proximity to people?

23. As a pregnant registered nurse, how can I protect myself and my unborn child while working? Are pregnant women in the ‘at-risk’ group?

Finland’s strategy

24. Realistically, how long will it be before we can go back to normal life?

25. What are the preconditions for switching to a track and trace strategy? Is there a specific R0 figure or other data points you are tracking?