Last updated: 2 October 2021 at 5.45 pm (previous versions in the archive, as of 13 March 2020)

Please consult this website regarding OIEF’s guidelines and safety measures amidst the Covid-19 situation. We wish everyone to stay safe and sound!

Guidelines:

• Worship services and devotions can be arranged on-site at St. Luke’s chapel, including coffee/tea fellowship. Safety measures apply, see below. You can also join online via Facebook.
• Bible studies and other events can be arranged on-site. Safety measures apply, see below.
• Follow up on our newsletter (mailing list) and check our information on possible links to streaming providers (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, Virtuaalikirkko.fi)

Safety measures:

• Keep a safe distance (min. 1 m) between people, apart from your own family members
• Use a face mask (as of 12 year-olds) in situations in which avoiding close contact is difficult and in which the risk of infection might be great. Also, use a face mask in public transportation, hospitals and health and social care facilities. Follow also instructions by individual public or private service providers. Bring your own face mask to church, but these are available also in the church. For more details, please consult THL’s face mask guidelines.
• Maintain a good hand, coughing and sneezing hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Disinfectant can be used, available in the church. Cough into your elbow, sneeze into a paper tissue and dispose it safely.
• Do not attend church or any public or private event or gathering, if you are in quarantine or ill, especially, with respiratory symptoms, see more below!
• Follow the guidelines by churches, public or private service providers, and health care authorities in Oulu and Finland

Current information about the Covid-19 situation in Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia:

• Oulu and Northern Ostrobothnia is currently in the acceleration phase
  (Finnish Government, THL, the City of Oulu, the Covid-19 regional corona coordination team, and AVI, Regional State Administrative Agency in Northern Ostrobothnia)
• Public and private events and gatherings are currently not limited in terms of the amount of people. Safety measures apply.
• Churches and service providers (e.g. banks, shops, bars and restaurants) have open. Safety measures apply, restrictions may be in place in bars and restaurants.
• Work and studies in a hybrid mode, online/blended but on-site where possible, depending on the Covid-19 situation, company, church, educational institution or organisation. Safety measures apply.

Further information and advice:

• Pray for each other and the situation – locally and internationally. Ask God to provide wisdom and guidance.
• Care for each other virtually as well. Alleviate loneliness and stress that we and fellow people may experience.
• Inform yourself about Covid-19 according to  THL , the City of Oulu , the Covid-19 regional corona coordination team, and AVI, Regional State Administrative Agency in Northern Ostrobothnia
• Get vaccinated to protect yourself and other people from Covid-19, and help to open up society.
• Protect yourself and other people (especially those at risk) from infectious diseases of any kind. For suitable safety measures, consult the  information  provided by THL.
• Monitor your health condition, especially, regarding any kind of symptoms of flu (fever, cough, sore throat etc.). If you have any flu symptoms, stay at home and wait until you get better. Ask others to help with everyday matters such as groceries. If your condition gets worse, contact your local  public healthcare provider in Oulu for medical advice according to the  guidelines  of THL.
• Take special precaution when travelling. The Covid-19 situation and guidelines may differ in other parts of Finland and other countries. Safety measures apply.

The aforementioned information is based on OIEF’s leadership team assessment of the Covid-19 situation in the light of guidelines of governmental, local and church authorities.

We intend to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and possible infections for all groups of people, and want to cater for the spiritual and other needs of people in Oulu.

We also want to encourage each other and people around us, because God is in charge of this situation as well, and Christ wants to give us his peace, which transcends all human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

For more information, feel free to call Bastian Fähnrich (+358 40 6755 195) and/or rev. Ari Savuoja (+358 40 524 5919) (BF)