Last updated: 22 January 2021 at 09.00 am (previous versions in the archive, as of 13 March 2020)

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

Guidelines for OIEF’s activities:

• Worship services and devotions shall be arranged online at least until 1 February and until further notice. Follow up on our newsletter (mailing list) and check our information on possible links to streaming providers (e.g. YouTube, www.virtuaalikirkko.fi)
• Bible study has been suspended until further notice. The team will decide on the implementation – contact Helmuth (hbgaroeb@gmail.com)
• Other events (such as ladies’ and men’s evenings) will resume once it is permissible to meet face-to-face

Safety measures:

• Keep over 2 m distance between people, apart from your own family members
• Avoid physical contact such as shaking hands etc.
• People from risk groups should take extra care of themselves
• Do not attend any public or private event, if you are in quarantine or ill, especially, with respiratory symptoms, see more below!
• If need be, cough into your elbow, sneeze into a paper tissue and dispose it safely.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
• Use a face mask in public transportation, and in public spaces always when several people share the same space. For more details, please consult THL’s face mask guidelines.
• If you arrange an online event at a church building and need to attend in person for the arrangements, use your own face mask.

Recommendations for the general public:

• Public events can be attended only by max. 10 people at least until 1 February and until further notice.
• Public places in Oulu will be closed at least until 1 February and until further notice. Exceptions currently only for some places open for people aged under 18 years
• Remote work/studies are in place where possible.
• Leisure activities by private/public organisations have been suspended or shifted to online activities where possible.
• Private events in homes or other places should not be attended and arranged for the time being.

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.
• Follow the guidelines given by the governmental and health care authorities in Oulu and Finland.
• Inform yourself about Covid-19 according to  THL , the City of Oulu and the Covid-19 regional corona coordination team
• Protect yourself and other people from infectious diseases of any kind. For suitable safety measures, consult the  guidelines  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.

The aforementioned information is based on OIEF’s leadership team assessment of the Covid-19 situation in the light of guidelines and recommendations 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)