Over 70 Coronavirus Infections Detected among International Students in Higher Education in Turku

City of Turku communicable disease authorities have been tracking chains of infection. Tracking work is still ongoing. The number of infections and exposures is likely to increase still.

Significant infection clusters have been detected in the following locations:

Turku Student Village, several locations on both the eastern and western side
Retrodom in Luolavuori, owned by the City of Turku
Student apartments of Turku Student Village in Krööpilänkatu, Varissuo
Persons who have tested positive for coronavirus have also been to the following locations

Old Irish Bar on 6 March
Espresso House Hansa on 7 March
Educarium Campus Sport Gym on 11 March
Turku Student Village sauna on 11 March
Turku International School on 12 March

– We discovered the seriousness of the situation yesterday. Infections and exposures have occurred widely for instance in shared housing for students, where the virus spreads easily, says Chief Physician for Infectious Diseases Jutta Peltoniemi.

Mutated virus variant that spreads easily

It seems that the infections have been caused by a mutated virus variant which spreads easily. That is why it is crucial that all adults comply with coronavirus recommendations and restrictions. Contacts between adults must be minimised.
If you suspect that you have become exposed to coronavirus in the epidemic cluster of international students, you must self-isolate and get tested. The same applies in situations where someone in shared housing tests positive for coronavirus.

– All adults need to take responsibility in this situation. Nobody can afford to think that others will sort this out. Everyone must behave responsibly – the time is now, Peltoniemi states.

The coronavirus prevention bus offers coronavirus testing in the Student Village on Saturday 20 March and Sunday 21 March between 11 am and 2 pm at Inspehtoorinkatu 3 C. The bus offers testing free of charge without a referral. The Finnish Red Cross supports this work.

Enchanced communication to exchange students

All higher education institutions in Turku have informed exchange students about coronavirus and instructions related to the virus through their own channels ever since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Enhanced communication will now be directed towards international students both school-specifically and for all through channels of the Study in Turku network. A remote information session was also organised for international students on Thursday 18 March.

Information and warnings have been attached on the noticed boards and in shared facilities of the Student Village.

Updated March 19 9:43 modified Espresso House location to Hansa in the text