Coronavirus situation at the University of Helsinki
This page is updated with current information about the coronavirus situation at the University of Helsinki.
Main instructions
  • Ob­serving com­mon rules re­mains the top pri­or­ity in pre­vent­ing the spread of the coronavirus.
    • Do not come to the campuses when ill or when experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus disease. Assess the need for testing on the basis of local guidelines (the Koronabotti service for the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa) and, when necessary, perform an at-home test.
    • Be sure to practise extremely careful hand and coughing hygiene.
    • Leave room for others whenever possible.
    • See Protective face mask recommendation.
    • Do not shake hands or hug people.
    • Plan physical appointments together with your work community based on your work tasks.
    • Please remember to clean any equipment in joint use after using it. Overall, cleaning activities at the University have been intensified.
    • We recommend getting vaccinated against coronavirus.
  • A flexible transition to multi-location work (hybrid model) has taken place at the University. More information on Flamma: Working hours, work plan, hybrid work and telecommuting.
  • University events are subject to the general health and safety guidelines mentioned above. Event organisers are responsible for taking the guidelines into consideration.
  • When planning trips, any restrictions, guidelines and warnings valid in the destination country must be taken into consideration.
  • In the fall semester, teaching is primarily arranged on location at the campuses. More information on course arrangements is available in the Instructions for Students.

Last updated on 12 August 2022.

The University continues to recommend the use of protective face masks at your own discretion and in situations where several people are present in facilities and social distancing is impossible. By wearing a mask in congested situations, you protect yourself and others. Consider wearing a mask for your personal health and safety, especially if you are in a high-risk group. 

Surgical masks, cloth masks and FFP2 respirators remain available to staff and students.   

Detailed instructions for ordering face masks and respirators are available on the Flamma intranet (requires login with University credentials). 

Read also other coronavirus guidelines on transmission and protection by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

In the spring time, a transition has been made to the practices of multi-location work (hybrid work). More information on multi-location work can be found on Flamma: Working hours, work plan, hybrid work and telecommuting.

University facilities are available as usual.

The leasing of University facilities to external parties can be resumed, and visitors can be admitted on the premises in compliance with the valid health and safety guidelines. External renters must ensure compliance with the guidelines.

Further information and instructions: University of Helsinki conference and events team, helsinkiuniconferences@helsinki.fi, helsinkiunievents@helsinki.fi

Lib­rar­ies, museums, Think Corner and UniSport

Helsinki University Library website

National Library website

Luomus public attractions, Helsinki Observatory and Helsinki University Museum

UniSport website

Think Corner

The university acts responsibly and helps society in its efforts to battle the Corona COVID 19 epidemic. The University wants to ensure staff and student safety and at the same time enable everybody to continue their studies and research in these exceptional circumstances. Under the authority of the Rector, the Coronavirus Management Team will make necessary decisions required by the situation.

The University follows the recommendations and regulations of the Finnish State, the University Central Hospital (HUS) and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

A pandemic planning committee is active at the University. The chair of the committee is Vice-Rector Tom Böhling.

Furthermore, a management group has been established on the University level in accordance with the University's preparedness plan for emergencies, tasked with managing and coordinating practical matters related to preventing the spread of the coronavirus, as well as making decisions pertaining to the issue. This group is chaired by Director of Administration Esa Hämäläinen.

Read latest updates, symptoms caused by the coronavirus and ways to protect against it on the National Institute for Health and Welfare website: How to protect yourself against the Covid-19 -coronavirus.

The website also provides information to those arriving in Finland made by the National Institute for Health and Welfare.

Residents of Helsinki can call the city’s telephone advice service on the telephone number (09) 310 10024 if they experience symptoms or want to ask for advice regarding the coronavirus.

A national coronavirus helpline has been established and can be contacted free of charge by calling 02 9553 5535. The helpline is open on weekdays from 8.00 to 21.00 and on Saturdays from 9.00 to 15.00.

Common safety guidelines must be taken into account on all restriction levels. The University complies with policies set by the authorities and regional coronavirus coordination groups. Support activities will be restored in stages according to operational needs. If the situation worsens, recovery will be suspended and the relevant restrictions imposed.

The University has resumed normal operations.

Restriction level 3

Decision-making: crisis management team and response centres

Associated with the community transmission phase of the epidemic, taking into account the prevention measures on tiers 1, 2 and 3 set by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health

  • Telecommuting recommendation valid to an extent that matches with the relevant tier of prevention measures
  • Research: On-site research activities in accordance with the notification procedure and guidelines set by the relevant response centre
  • Teaching: Only necessary teaching and examinations can be held on site, public examinations of doctoral theses held online
  • Events not organised, buildings mainly closed, self-access facilities closed, significant restrictions to travel

Restriction level 2

Decision-making: crisis management team and response centres

Partial lifting of restrictions to University operations

  • A partial telecommuting recommendation valid, working on site possible upon agreement with the supervisor
  • Research: Research activities in University facilities can be increased at the discretion of the relevant parties
  • Teaching: Teaching is mainly provided online, teaching for small groups and public examinations can be held on site, taking into account the number of attendees and the relevant safety restrictions
  • Large-scale events are not organised; public attractions, customer service desks and self-access facilities can be opened at the discretion of the relevant parties; restrictions to travel

Restriction level 1

Decision-making: normal management system. Crisis management team and response centres, as authorised by the rector

Partial restrictions remain in place on University operations

  • Extended telecommuting arrangements utilised, working on site permitted
  • Research: Research groups transition to almost normal activities
  • Teaching: Contact instruction can be organised; public and mass lectures are not organised
  • Public attractions, customer service desks and self-access facilities can be opened
  • International activities (including travel) increased wherever possible

Normal operations

Decision-making: normal management system

University operations in the new status quo

  • The University operates in accordance with the conditions prevailing in the new normal
  • Integration of experiences gained in the pandemic into the University identity