Rauma’s executive covid team gathered on Friday 5 March to discuss the local effects of the orders given by Southwest Finland Regional State Administrative Agency. The City of Rauma has already implemented all feasible measures, so there will be no new changes to the city’s services. High schools have successfully transitioned into distance learning on Thursday 4 March.
– Rauma has been proactive during the covid situation. All possible measures have already been taken and strong restrictions are in use. All that is left is the introduction of legislation on exceptional circumstances if the Finnish government deems them necessary. I hope that the actions taken now and committing to them will take us in the right direction. Everyone must follow the given instructions so that the situation in Rauma will turn for the better, mayor Johanna Luukkonen emphasizes.
Regional State Administrative Agency’s orders to close facilities for 8 to 21 March affects indoor spaces which are used for more than ten people simultaneously. The order also covers limited outdoor spaces used by more than 50 people. The maximum amount of people does not include staff. If the number of people can really be limited to ten, the facilities can remain in operation.
Rauma health control will make check-ups on how the limitations and restrictions are followed and will instruct businesses to take the right kind of actions. The city has on Tuesday 2 March sent instructions to businesses about the added duties. The instructions will be added to according to national guidelines. Printable instructions on safe distances, masks, and hygiene can be found on www.rauma.fi/corona.
The city recommends that no private events are held and that all public functions adhere to the six person limit.
Secondary schools have transitioned to distance learning with good attitudes
Secondary schools in Rauma transitioned to distance learning on Thursday 4 March. Distance learning does not apply to grades 1-6 or children in preparative or special education.
All children in basic education grades 4 to 9 have been given Chromebook-laptops, which have eased the transition this spring.
– The transition went very well now. The devices work. teachers feel positive and up to the task and students have acclimated well to the situation and remain online. About 1200 students are in distance learning and following their curriculum, director of culture and education Soile Strander says.
Rauma food services distribute meals for children in distance learning for one week at a time. Food bags contain for example re-heatable soups, noodles, vegetables, and about a kilo of fresh produce. The foodstuffs are bought directly from suppliers but bags for special diets are handled by the food services.
Education and culture department would like to remind that hobby activities are allowed to children born on 2008 and younger according to the orders by the Reggional State Administrative Agency.