Coronavirus levels in wastewater across Finland have risen sharply since June, according to a report published by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
At the beginning of June, 3,044 coronavirus pathogens were detected in wastewater, but by the start of July, this number had surged to 66,788.
THL's wastewater study produces information on the regional prevalence of various diseases. Wastewater samples indicate the number of pathogens present in the sewer network.
THL Chief Physician Leif Lakoma emphasised that wastewater analysis cannot accurately determine the number of infected individuals.
"It's more difficult to say how many people are actually infected," Lakoma said.
The demand for hospital treatment for Covid or other respiratory infections is not rising in the EU and EEA, according to Lakoma, who added that the current coronavirus variant is no more severe than earlier ones.
Covid spreading in nursing homes
Covid infections are, however, making the rounds at nursing homes in Central Finland.
"The symptoms of those infected are mild, and the need for hospitalisation has not increased so far," said Minna Leppäkynnäs, Chief of Medicine at the wellbeing services county of Central Finland.
According to Leppäkynnäs, the number of people seeking Covid tests is not as high as it used to be, making it difficult to estimate the number of infections.
She added that Covid booster vaccinations will resume in September as scheduled under the vaccination programme.
The THL will recommend a booster dose of the Covid vaccine for the elderly and specific high-risk groups this autumn. These groups include residents of nursing homes, those receiving regular home care, individuals aged over 80, and those with severe immunodeficiency, irrespective of age.
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