The town of Nivala’s latest news bulletin on the coronavirus pandemic  

While the state of emergency is in effect, the town of Nivala will any changes to the town’s services on its website and social media channels.

LATEST CHANGES TO THE TOWN OF NIVALA’S SERVICES

Thursday 9.4.2020 at 13:00

Easter is a time for bonfires in Nivala. Nevertheless, please remember that public gatherings are limited to no more than ten persons.

Happy Easter!

Best regards, Mayor Päivi Karikumpu

Shopping assistance service

You can still order shopping assistance today until 15:00. The service will next be available on Tuesday 14 April 2020.

The town of Nivala’s Facebook live exercises will continue

The town of Nivala’s Facebook page is offering themed exercises for people of all ages on Wednesdays at 14:00 Recordings of earlier live exercises are available on the town’s Facebook page. The exercise sessions are led by the town’s wellbeing coordinator.

Upcoming exercises:

Wed 15.4 Storytime exercises for children

Wed 22.4 Woolly sock exercises

Wed 29.4 Light stretching

Wed 6.5 Exercises to improve balance

Regional rural services

Farmers’ subsidies training will be organized online. Further information and training links can be found at maatalous.nivala.fi

Up-to-date information about support packages for entrepreneurs can be found on Nihak’s website at www.nihak.fi .

You can deal with town hall matters as usual by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal. The town hall will be closed to customers until 13 May 2020.

Distribution: the town of Nivala’s website and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram); Nivala town staff; elected representatives and subsidiaries; the Nivala, Kalajokilaakso, Keskipohjanmaa, Kaleva and Pyhäjokiseutu newspapers, Yle Oulu, Yle Keskipohjanmaa, Radio Pooki

8.4.2020 at 14:30

Easter is a time for bonfires in Nivala. Nevertheless, please remember that public gatherings are limited to no more than ten persons.

Happy Easter!

Best regards, Mayor Päivi Karikumpu

Regional rural services

Farmers’ subsidies training will be organized online. Further information and training links can be found at maatalous.nivala.fi

Shopping assistance service

In the days leading up to Easter, the shopping assistance service is open today, Wednesday 8.4 and tomorrow, Thursday 9.4 until 15:00. If you would like your groceries delivered to your home before Easter, please order today or tomorrow morning. The shopping assistance service will next be available on Tuesday 14.4 from 9:00-15:00.

Training services

Parents and guardians will be provided with information about school services via Wilma.

Up-to-date information about support packages for entrepreneurs can be found on Nihak’s website at www.nihak.fi .

The town hall will be closed to customers until 13 May 2020.

You can deal with matters as usual by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

6.4.2020 at 8:00

The town hall will be closed to customers until 13 May 2020.

You can deal with matters as usual by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

Up-to-date information on the support package for entrepreneurs can be found (in Finnish) on Nihak Oy's website www.nihak.fi

3.4.2020 at 12:15

The town hall will be closed to customers until 13 May 2020.

You can deal with matters as usual by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

Up-to-date information on the support package for entrepreneurs can be found (in Finnish) on Nihak Oy's website www.nihak.fi

Early childhood education and care services

The Raitala day-care centre is closed until 13.5.2020.

Food assistance in Nivala

- Food assistance from the FEAD in Nivala parish: EU food assistance will be distributed at the parish hall on Monday 6.4. The food will be packaged into “crisis bags”. To ensure the rapid distribution of the food, the bags are pre-prepared, and it is not possible to change the contents.

Food bags must be reserved. Call 044-7440702 between 9.00-15.00 on Friday 3.4 or between 9.00-12.00 on Monday 6.4 to reserve food for yourself/your family. You will be given a time slot during which you can collect your food. Home delivery of the food is possible for seniors over 70 who require food assistance. Please mention this when you call. Only one person per household may come to collect the food.

- Nivalan helluntaiseurakunta (Nivala Pentecostal Church): As part of the church’s social work, pre-made bags of food will be distributed on Fridays from 10.00-12.00.

- Nivala’s Save the Children: Low-income families with children may be eligible to receive a grocery store gift card. The gift cards are being channelled to families in need through volunteer work by local branches of the association and their partners in cooperation, such as social work, church social work, and other cooperating bodies. The associations are not accepting applications; instead, the support is channelled directly to families in need. The families who receive gift cards will be chosen by the local branch of Save the Children, or the association together with its network of partners.

The town of Nivala’s Facebook live exercises

Is working from home giving you neck and back pain? Is your sofa more tempting than the kettle bell gathering dust in the corner? The town of Nivala is now holding a 10-minute exercise session to carry out on your work break on its Facebook page at 2.00pm on Wednesday afternoons. Anyone can participate. The exercise sessions are led by the town’s wellbeing coordinator.

Wed 1.4. Neck and shoulder exercises for people working from home (a recording is available on the Facebook page)

Wed 8.4. Chair exercises

Wed 15.4. Storytime aerobics for children

Nivalan työpajasäätiö’s advice service for people of working age

Employees working on the Navi-Go! project led by Nivalan työpajasäätiö are providing advice and guidance to people of working age by phone and email from 9.00am - 3.00pm from Monday-Friday. Guidance and advice are provided remotely on e.g. accessing and using official services online. The service is free of charge.

Contact details:

Arja Räisänen tel. 040 614 6386, arja.raisanen@nivala.fi,

Niina Oravakangas tel. 040 614 8375, niina.oravakangas@nivala.fi.

1.4.2020 at 12:00

The town hall will be closed to customers until 13 May 2020.

You can deal with matters by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

Information about a support package for entrepreneurs will be available as soon as possible at www.nihak.fi and in the town’s daily information updates at www.nivala.fi. More information for entrepreneurs is available at .

https://www.yrittajat.fi/yrittajat/kaikki-koronasta-yrittajalle

School services

The distribution of school meals to students who are remote learning began on Wednesday 1 April 2020. Parents/guardians can collect school meals by household (packages for all children in a single household) from a collection point chosen by the parent or guardian. The distribution list will be reviewed weekly. Any changes must be announced before 10.00 on the Friday of the previous week by emailing kyosti-kallion.koulu@nivala.fi or calling 040-3447 369.

Exercise services

Tips for exercises you can do at home are available on Nivalan Liikuntakeskus Oy’s website at https://liikunta.nivala.fi/jumppaohjeita-kuntalaisille/. Check it out!

The Government has extended the state of emergency and related operations until 13 May 2020.

31.3.2020 at 10:30

School services

The distribution of school meals to students who are remote learning will begin on Wednesday 1 April 2020. Parents/guardians can collect school meals by household (packages for all children in a single household) from a collection point chosen by the parent or guardian. The distribution list will be reviewed weekly. Any changes must be announced before the Friday of the previous week. Please bring your own bags!

Exercise services

Tips for exercises you can do at home are available on Nivalan Liikuntakeskus Oy’s website at https://liikunta.nivala.fi/jumppaohjeita-kuntalaisille/. Check it out!

New Government restrictions (press conference 30.3.2020)

- The Government is extending the state of emergency and related operations until 13.5.2020

30.3.2020 at 12.15

The town hall will be closed to customers from 17 March - 13 April 2020.

You can deal with matters by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

Change to shopping assistance service – now available to all risk groups

From today (Monday 30 March), the shopping assistance service will be offered to all risk groups as well as the over-70s. Shopping assistance offers help with shopping in supermarkets and pharmacies for over-70s and people in risk groups who have no other assistance. You can order assistance Mon-Fri from 9:00 - 15:00 by calling 040 344 7273. We will deliver your purchases no later than on the following working day. The service is free of charge.

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket or pharmacy on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket.

Changes:

It is possible to set up a temporary account with S-market and K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. The library bag service is no longer available.

Exercise services

Tips for exercises you can do at home are available on Nivalan Liikuntakeskus Oy’s website at https://liikunta.nivala.fi/jumppaohjeita-kuntalaisille/. Check it out!

Public transport

Klemetti Oy’s commuter bus departing from Haapajärvi at 6:00 via Nivala to Ylivieska, and the return bus departing from Ylivieska at 16:05 will no longer run.

Early childhood education and care services

The Nokela day-care centre will be open as usual from today (Monday 30 March 2020).

School services

On Monday 30 March 2020, the town council will decide on the arrangement of school meals for students who are

remote learning. School meals could possibly be provided from Wednesday 1 April 2020.

27.3.2020 at 14:30

The town of Nivala is doing its best amid the coronavirus pandemic to safeguard the health and wellbeing of everyone in Nivala. We hope that residents are complying with the Government’s guidance and recommendations. We will overcome this exceptional situation by helping our friends, relatives, and each other.

The town hall will be closed to customers from 17 March - 13 April 2020.

You can deal with matters by contacting the relevant employee in advance by telephone or email. All online services are available as normal.

NIVALA TOWN SERVICES

Change to shopping assistance service – now available to all risk groups

From Monday 30 March, the shopping assistance service will be offered to all risk groups as well as the over-70s. Shopping assistance offers help with shopping in supermarkets and pharmacies for over-70s and people in risk groups who have no other assistance. You can order assistance Mon-Fri from 9:00 - 15:00 by calling 040 344 7273. We will deliver your purchases no later than on the following working day. The service is free of charge.

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket or pharmacy on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket.

Changes:

It is possible to set up a temporary account with S-market and K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. The library bag service is no longer available.

Kyläkyyti and services in conjunction with Kyläkyyti 

The town of Nivala’s service transport, Kyläkyyti, will operate normally. You can check timetables at www.heikkilänliikenne.fi. The service is available from Tuesday-Thursday.

To use the service, follow the instructions:

1. Telephone your store and give them your shopping list.

2. Then call the Kyläkyyti number and order transport for your purchases.

The number for Kyläkyyti is 044 395 6350 and the line is open from Monday to Friday. Kyläkyyti is subject to a fee: a single journey costs €4 anywhere within Nivala and you can pay in cash.

Exercise services

Tips for exercising at home can be found on Nivalan Liikuntakeskus Oy’s website (liikunta.nivala.fi). Check it out!

Public transport

Klemetti Oy’s commuter bus departing from Haapajärvi at 6:00 via Nivala to Ylivieska, and the return bus departing from Ylivieska at 16:05 will run for the last time today, Friday 27 March 2020.

Early childhood education and care services

The Nokela day-care centre will open on Monday 30 March 2020. Parents will be notified personally.

School services

The town of Nivala is investigating the organization of school meals for students who are learning remotely. Parents and guardians have been sent a questionnaire in Wilma, and we hope to receive responses today, Friday. The town council will decide on the matter on Monday 30 March 2020. School meals could possibly be provided from Wednesday 1 April 2020.

Youth services

An information notice about youth services has been distributed to young people via Wilma. The notice can be found at: https://www.nivala.fi/sites/nivala.fi/files/Tiedote%20nivalalaisille%20nuorille_26.3.pdf

Library services

The library is closed and the mobile library will not be running. In line with a recommendation from the Regional State Administrative Agency for Northern Finland, library services are only able to offer digital collections.

Farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme

 The farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme will operate normally. If any changes are made, customers and staff will be notified directly.  

Technical department   

The technical department’s official and support services will continue as normal and will be adapted as the situation requires. Any changes will be announced in advance.

26.3.2020 at 13:00

NIVALA TOWN SERVICES

Shopping assistance service for over-70s

The town of Nivala is offering assistance with shopping at supermarkets, pharmacies and the library for residents who are over 70 years old and who have no other assistance. You can order assistance Mon-Fri from 9:00 - 15:00 by calling 040 344 7273. We will deliver your purchases no later than on the following working day. The service is free of charge.

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket, pharmacy or library on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket. It is possible to set up a temporary account with S-market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. You must hold a library card to use the assistance service at the library.

Kyläkyyti and services in conjunction with Kyläkyyti 

The town of Nivala’s service transport, Kyläkyyti, will operate normally. You can check timetables at www.heikkilänliikenne.fi. The service is available from Tuesday-Thursday.

To use the service, follow the instructions:

1. Telephone your store and give them your shopping list.

2. Then call the Kyläkyyti number and order transport for your purchases.

The number for Kyläkyyti is 044 395 6350 and the line is open from Monday to Friday. Kyläkyyti is subject to a fee: a single journey costs €4 anywhere within Nivala and you can pay in cash.

The town hall will be closed from 17 March - 13 April 2020.

Matters can be dealt with in advance over the phone or by email with a relevant member of staff. All town of Nivala staff whose tasks allow them to work from home have been sent home to do so.

Early childhood education and care services

The Nokela day-care centre will open on Monday 30 March 2020. Parents will be notified personally.

School services

Schools have closed and face-to-face education has been cancelled. Teaching is taking place remotely. Face-to-face education will however be organised for 0-3-year olds and centralised to the Kyösti Kallio school. School social workers can be contacted by telephone on weekdays from 8:00 - 16:00.

Youth services

An information notice about youth services has been distributed to young people via Wilma. The notice can be found here (only in finnish).

Library services

The library is closed and the mobile library will not be running.

A book bag service is currently available for people aged 70 and above. The service can be ordered by calling 040-3447 273. Planning is under way to extend the service to other residents.

Farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme

 The farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme will operate normally. If any changes are made, customers and staff will be notified directly.  

Technical department   

The technical department’s official and support services will continue as normal and will be adapted as the situation requires. Any changes will be announced in advance.

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR NIVALA RESIDENTS

Kallio’s pandemic clinic, tel. 08 419 5140, Mon-Fri from 8:00–16:00

OYS advice line (24h), tel. 08 315 2655

THL advice line, tel. 0295 535 535, Mon–Fri 8:00–21:00, Sat 9–15

Coordination of family and social services provided by Peruspalveluyhtymä Kallio

You can call the family and social service coordinator if you are facing any challenges relating to family life, day-to-day coping or finances. The service coordinator can direct you to Kallio’s services and other services provided by municipalities and Kela.

Service coordinator Jaana Linna, tel. 044 419 6513

Service coordination is available Mon-Fri 9:00-11:00 and 12:00-15:00 (extended hours from 19 March - 30 April 2020)

Peruspalveluyhtymä Kallio’s mental health helpline

A telephone service that you can contact if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. Open Mon-Fri 9:00-15:00, tel. 08 419 5190

The mental health helpline does not provide treatment advice for callers who suspect that they have coronavirus - in such cases, please contact Kallio’s pandemic clinic, OYS’ advice line or THL’s advice line (see above for the telephone numbers).

Nivala parish

The church social work helpline is open Tues and Thurs 9:00-12:00, tel. 044 744 0702. You can call this number if you are worried about finances.

Financial and debt counselling

Financial and debt counselling is meant for private individuals and owners of small companies who are experiencing financial difficulties. Advice is available for all financial and debt-related problems and for making arrangements. The service is free of charge.

Switch tel. 029 566 1310

Ylivieska office: Financial and debt counsellor Tuija Vähäkangas, tel. 029 566 1312

Haapajärvi office: Financial and debt counsellor Merja Pietikäinen, tel. 029 566 1311

NATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICES

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

The church’s Kirkon keskusteluapu service is there for you if you need someone to listen. The service is confidential and operated by trained volunteers and employees of the church. The service is available in Finnish and Swedish. Available every evening from 18:00-00:00. Your mobile phone operator will charge for the call in accordance with your contract. The telephone helpline number is 0400 22 11 80 and a chat is available Mon-Fri 12:00-20:00.

Mieli – Suomen mielenterveys ry

The crisis helpline and Tukinet offer assistance and support for anyone in crisis and their loved ones, plus advice on how to seek further help. The crisis helpline number is 010 195 202 and it is available on weekdays from 9:00-7:00 and on weekdays and public holidays from 15:00-7:00. Your call will be answered by crisis workers and trained volunteers. You can call anonymously. The call will cost a charge set by your mobile phone operator. The Sekasin chat on the Tukinet crisis support centre is aimed at young people and is available on weekdays from 7:00-00:00 and on weekends from 15:00-00:00. The Solmussa chat is aimed at adults and is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 15:00-19:00.

25.3.2020 at 14:00

NIVALA TOWN SERVICES

Shopping assistance service for over-70s

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket, pharmacy or library on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket. It is possible to set up a temporary account with Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. You must hold a library card to use the assistance service at the library.

Kyläkyyti and services in conjunction with Kyläkyyti 

The town of Nivala’s service transport, Kyläkyyti, will operate normally. You can check timetables at www.heikkilänliikenne.fi. The service is available from Tuesday-Thursday.

To use the service, follow the instructions:

1. Telephone your store and give them your shopping list.

2. Then call the Kyläkyyti number and order transport for your purchases.

The number for Kyläkyyti is 044 395 6350 and the line is open from Monday to Friday. Kyläkyyti is subject to a fee: a single journey costs €4 anywhere within Nivala and you can pay in cash.

The town hall will be closed from 17 March - 13 April 2020.

Matters can be dealt with in advance over the phone or by email with a relevant member of staff. All town of Nivala staff whose tasks allow them to work from home have been sent home to do so.

Early childhood education and care services

Operations are continuing as normal. As an exception, the Nokela and Raitala day-care centres are closed.

The Government has issued guidance stating that parents and guardians should arrange childcare at home if possible. Family day-care is open as usual. It is possible to temporarily cancel a child’s day-care placement in early education and care. Early education and care fees will not be charged in this instance.

School services

Schools have closed and face-to-face education has been cancelled. Teaching is taking place remotely. Face-to-face education will however be organised for 0-3 year olds and centralised to the Kyösti Kallio school. If necessary, parents can contact the headteacher at marjo.kiviniemi@nivala.fi or by calling 040 344 7379. If necessary, teaching arrangements will be announced via Wilma.

School social workers can be contacted by telephone on weekdays from 8:00 - 16:00. You can also get in touch by sending a message via Wilma, text message, e-mail, or WhatsApp. School psychologists can be contacted by telephone, e-mail, or Wilma message. Meetings can be held remotely.

Youth services

Youth services are available online. For more details, please visit http://www.nuopal.fi/category/ajankohtaista

youth counsellor Eveliina Mustola 040-3447315

youth club supervisor Sivi Sornikoski 040-3447316

Youth outreach work

Discord: Mikael_Etsivä_Nivala#4607. Available Mon-Fri from 9:00-13:00.

Youth outreach worker Mikael Vuotila 040-713 2026.

Libraryservices

The library is closed and the mobile library will not be running. The return dates for books out on loan have automatically been extended. You can return books and other materials after the cut-off time and any fees that accumulate during that period will be waived. We are available by telephone Mon-Fri from 8:00-15:00, tel. 040 3447347, e-mail asiakaspalvelu.kirjasto@nivala.fi.

A book bag service is currently available for people aged 70 and above. The service can be ordered by calling 040-3447 273. Planning is under way to extend the service to other residents.

Farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme

The farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme will operate normally. If any changes are made, customers and staff will be notified directly.  

Technical department   

The technical department’s official and support services will continue as normal and will be adapted as the situation requires. Any changes will be announced in advance.

OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR NIVALA RESIDENTS

Kallio’s pandemic clinic, tel. 08 419 5140, Mon-Fri from 8:00–16:00.

OYS advice line (24h), tel. 08 315 2655.

THL advice line, tel. 0295 535 535, Mon–Fri 8:00–21:00, Sat 9–15.

Coordination of family and social services provided by Peruspalveluyhtymä Kallio

Service coordinator Jaana Linna, tel. 044 419 6513.

Service coordination is available Mon-Fri 9:00-11:00 and 12:00-15:00 (extended hours from 19 March - 30 April 2020).

Peruspalveluyhtymä Kallio’s mental health helpline

A telephone service that you can contact if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. Open Mon-Fri 9:00-15:00, tel. 08 419 5190.

Nivala parish

The church social work helpline is open Tues and Thurs 9:00-12:00, tel. 044 744 0702. You can call this number if you are worried about finances.

Financial and debt counselling

Switch tel. 029 566 1310.

Ylivieska office: Financial and debt counsellor Tuija Vähäkangas, tel. 029 566 1312

Haapajärvi office: Financial and debt counsellor Merja Pietikäinen, tel. 029 566 1311.

NATIONAL TELEPHONE SERVICES

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

Mieli – Suomen mielenterveys ry

The crisis helpline and Tukinet offer assistance and support for anyone in crisis and their loved ones, plus advice on how to seek further help. The crisis helpline number is 010 195 202 and it is available on weekdays from 9:00-7:00 and on weekdays and public holidays from 15:00-7:00 Your call will be answered by crisis workers and trained volunteers. You can call anonymously. The call will cost a charge set by your mobile phone operator. The Sekasin chat on the Tukinet crisis support centre is aimed at young people and is available on weekdays from 7:00-00:00 and on weekends from 15:00-00:00. The Solmussa chat is aimed at adults and is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 15:00-19:00.

Other limitations specified by the Government

As a guideline, persons over 70 years of age must avoid contact with other people where possible (quarantine-like conditions). The town of Nivala appeals to all residents in that age category and requests that they comply with the Government’s guidance.

Limits on public gatherings: Public gatherings are limited to no more than ten persons, and it is recommended that people avoid spending unnecessary time in public places.

24.3.2020 at 14:00

A shopping assistance service for the over-70s began today

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket, pharmacy or library on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket. It is possible to set up a temporary account with Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. You must hold a library card to use the assistance service at the library.

Kyläkyyti and services in conjunction with Kyläkyyti 

The town of Nivala’s service transport, Kyläkyyti, will operate normally. You can check timetables at www.heikkilänliikenne.fi. The service is available from Tuesday-Thursday.

To use the service, follow the instructions:

1. Telephone your store and give them your shopping list.

2. Then call the Kyläkyyti number and order transport for your purchases.

The number for Kyläkyyti is 044 395 6350 and the line is open from Monday to Friday. Kyläkyyti is subject to a fee: a single journey costs €4 anywhere within Nivala and you can pay in cash.

Early childhood education and care 

Operations are continuing as normal. As an exception, the Nokela and Raitala day-care centres are closed.

The Government has issued guidance stating that parents and guardians should arrange childcare at home if possible. Family day-care is open as usual.

It is possible to temporarily cancel a child’s day-care placement in early education and care. Early education and care fees will not be charged in this instance.

School services

Schools have closed and face-to-face education has been cancelled. Teaching is taking place remotely. Face-to-face education will however be organised for 0-3-year olds and centralised to the Kyösti Kallio school. If necessary, parents can contact the headteacher at marjo.kiviniemi@nivala.fi or by calling 040 344 7379. If necessary, teaching arrangements will be announced via Wilma.

Leisure services  

Youth services

Youth services are available online. For more details, please visit http://www.nuopal.fi/category/ajankohtaista

youth counsellor Eveliina Mustola 040-3447315

youth club supervisor Sivi Sornikoski 040-3447316

Youth outreach work

Discord: Mikael_Etsivä_Nivala#4607. Available Mon-Fri from 9:00-13:00.

Youth outreach worker Mikael Vuotila 040-713 2026.

Library

A book bag service is currently available for people aged 70 and above. The service can be ordered by calling 040-3447. Planning is under way to extend the service to other residents.

Farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme

 The farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme will operate normally. If any changes are made, customers and staff will be notified directly.  

Technical department   

The technical department’s official and support services will continue as normal and will be adapted as the situation requires. Any changes will be announced in advance.

The town hall will be closed from 17 March - 13 April 2020.

Matters can be dealt with in advance over the phone or by email with a relevant member of staff. All town of Nivala staff whose tasks allow them to work from home have been sent home to do so.

Other limitations specified by the Government

As a guideline, persons over 70 years of age must avoid contact with other people where possible (quarantine-like conditions). The town of Nivala appeals to all residents in that age category and requests that they comply with the Government’s guidance.

23.3.2020 at 14:00

This news bulletin supplements earlier bulletins.

On 16.3.2020, in collaboration with the President of the Republic, the Finnish Government declared a state of emergency across the country due to the coronavirus outbreak (18.3.-13.4.2020). 

A shopping assistance service for over-70s will begin on Tuesday 24.3.2020

The town of Nivala will offer assistance with shopping at supermarkets, pharmacies and the library for residents who are over 70 years old and who have no other assistance. The service will begin from Tuesday 24.3.2020. You can order assistance Mon-Fri from 9:00 - 15:00 by calling 040 344 7273. We will deliver your purchases no later than on the following working day. The service is free of charge.

Nivala town staff will go to the supermarket, pharmacy or library on your behalf. This requires a customer account with S-Market, Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket. It is possible to set up a temporary account with Halpa-Halli or K-Supermarket if you do not already have one. You must hold a library card to use the assistance service at the library.

Kyläkyyti and services in conjunction with Kyläkyyti 

The town of Nivala’s service transport, Kyläkyyti, will operate normally. You can check timetables at www.heikkilänliikenne.fi. The service is available from Tuesday-Thursday.

To use the service, follow the instructions:

1. Telephone your store and give them your shopping list.

2. Then call the Kyläkyyti number and order transport for your purchases.

The number for Kyläkyyti is 044 395 6350 and the line is open from Monday to Friday. Kyläkyyti is subject to a fee: a single journey costs €4 anywhere within Nivala and you can pay in cash.

Early years education 

Operations will continue as normal. The Nokela and Raitala day-care centres are closed.

School services

Face-to-face education will be organised for 0-3 year olds and centralised to the Kyösti Kallio school. If necessary, parents can contact the headteacher at marjo.kiviniemi@nivala.fi or by calling 040 344 7379. If necessary, teaching arrangements will be announced via Wilma.

Leisure services  

Youth services

Online youth services:

Discord: Kulmaus#8701. Online youth club. Link: https://discord.gg/nf8k5z4 

Twitch: nuorisotila. Twitch is a live-streaming service where you can stream with young people. The service can be downloaded from app stores or used online at twitch.tv.

Instagram: nuorisotilakulmaus. This account will broadcast live every day at 15:00.

Facebook: Nuorisotila Kulmaus. Acts as an information channel. Live broadcasts, etc., will be announced.

Snapchat: nlonccu. An easy-to-use communications channel open daily from 10:00-18:00.

TikTok: kulmaus. An information channel/funny video app.

WhatsApp: Eve 040-3447315 Sivi 040-3447316

Youth outreach work

Discord: Mikael_Etsivä_Nivala#4607. Available Mon-Fri from 9:00-13:00.

Library

Farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme

 The farmer’s holiday and stand-in scheme will operate normally. If any changes are made, customers and staff will be notified directly.  

Technical department   

The technical department’s official and support services will continue as normal and will be adapted as the situation requires. Any changes will be announced in advance.

Other limitations specified by the Government

20 March 2020 at 14.00 hrs

This information is a completion to the information before.

The Government has announced, in cooperation with the president of the Republic, on 16 March 2020, that there is a state of emergency in the country as a result of the coronavirus outbreak (between 18 March 2020 and 13 April 2020).

Early childhood education and care

Operations continue normally. Nokela and Raitala day care centres are closed.

Free-time services

Youth services

Electronic services for the youth services:

Discord: Kulmaus#8701. “Youth facilities on line” is welcoming all young people in Nivala. There are discussions with young people in the service about current topics.

Link: https://discord.gg/nf8k5z4

Twitch: nuorisotila. This is a streaming service, where you can stream with young people. It is meant for playing video games and for a discussion channel. If you are tracking the Kulmaus account you will be notified as the broadcast begins. The broadcasts will be notified also on the social media channels of the youth space. The service can be downloaded in the app store or can be found at twitch.tv

Nuorisotila Kulmaus youth facilities channels in social media:

- Instagram: nuorisotilakulmaus. In this account a live broadcast every day at 15.00 hrs.

- Facebook: Nuorisotila Kulmaus. Acts as an information channel and notifies live broadcasts, among others.

- Snapchat: nlonccu. An easy communication channel for the youth to be in contact between 10.00 hrs and 18.00 hrs.

- TikTok: kulmaus. An information channel / humour-focused videos. This application can also broadcast live broadcasts.

Library

The library is closed and the library bus is not operating. The loan period of the material in loan has been automatically extended. The material can be returned after the closing date and fees accrued during this period of time will not be charged. Library service is open by phone Mon-Fri at 8.00-15.00 hrs, tel. 040 344 7347, email: asiakaspalvelu.kirjasto@nivala.fi

Additionally, the library provides information on current issues and services in social media:

https://www.facebook.com/Nivalankirjasto

https://www.instagram.com/nivalankaupunginkirjasto/

https://twitter.com/nivalankirjasto

When the library is closed you can still use the library without going inside the library! You don’t need to go into the library to find something to read, listen and look at! Read or listen the library e-books or watch the films. Furthermore, there is a lot of open content to everyone.

The online library provides access to e-books and e-audio books, remote access to magazines, videos and music material. In addition to the library card, a password is needed, which you can ask for in the library.

E-materials of the Tiekkö library network are at your disposal at

https://tiekko.finna.fi/Content/ekirjasto

Oulu City Library has compiled a comprehensive list of various e-materials. The list can be found on address: https://www.ouka.fi/oulu/kirjasto/eaineistot

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services are normally in operation. If any changes occur, they will be notified directly to the customers and personnel.

Technical department

Technical department support services will be continued and adapted in the situation, if needed. If there are changes, they are reported separately.

Public transport

Kyläkyyti service transport of Nivala town is operating normally. As a new service, the purchases of customers can be transported on former schedules and routes.

Do this:

1) Call your own food store, what comes to the shopping list.

2) After that call the Kyläkyyti service transport number and order transportation for the purchases. Kyläkyyti service transport number at 044 395 6350 is on call from Mondays to Fridays. Kyläkyyti service transport is a chargeable service: the price of a one-way trip is 4,00 € throughout the town and as a payment method can be cash.

There will be an announcement on other services for persons over 70 years of age on Monday 23 March 2020.

Other restrictions ordered by the Government

As a general guideline, persons over 70 years of age must refrain from contact with other persons to the extent possible (quarantine-like conditions). Nivala town appeals to residents in the age group concerned and asks for compliance with the Government’s guidelines.

19 March 2020 at 12.30 hrs

This information is a completion to the information before

Early childhood education and care

Nokelan päiväkoti – Nokela day care centre is closed as a precautionary measure starting from 19 March 2020. Parents and guardians have been informed. Kallio Health and Social Services of Municipalities (Peruspalvelukuntayhtymä Kallio – Ppky Kallio) provides more information at https://www.kalliopp.fi/ajankohtaista/ensimmainen-koronavirustartunta-pe... (in Finnish language).

School services

Contact teaching in village schools will be centralized to Kyösti Kallio school in the Nivala town centre starting from Monday 23 March 2020. Teacher responses for the contact teaching and there is a class room assistant working in the group. Transportation is provided for pupils.

Free-time services

Free-time services operate as previously announced. More electronic services are available now.

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services operate normally. If there are any changes, the customers and personnel will be informed directly.

Technical department

Technical service support services will continue and they will be adapted to the situation. If there are any changes, they are reported separately.

Public transport

Scheduled bus traffic has stopped operating in Nivala.

Other restrictions ordered by the Government

As a general guideline, persons over 70 years of age must refrain from contact with other persons to the extent possible (quarantine-like conditions). Nivala town appeals to residents of the age group concerned and asks for compliance with the Governments guidelines.

Kallio Health and Social Services Federation of Municipalities announces on 18 March 2020 (Peruspalvelukuntayhtymä Kallio – Ppky Kallio)

The area of the Kallio Health and Social Service Federation of Municipalities (Ppky Kallio) is in a state of emergency declared by the Government of Finland and in cooperation with the President of Finland, until 13 April 2020. The aim is to protect the population and to safeguard the functioning of the society. In the area of Ppky Kallio on 18 March 2020 there are no identified coronavirus infections.

Affects of the decree concerning the functioning of Ppky Kallio

Among the services of Ppky Kallio, the day time activity for the elderly and the rehabilitative work activities are closed. Work and activity centres operate in a reduced way.

Visits to housing service units for the elderly and other at-risk groups are prohibited. Outside visits to care institutions, health care units and hospitals are prohibited, with the exception, evaluated on a case-by-case basis, of close relatives and spouse of persons in terminal care. Always contact the unit by calling in advance before visiting.

Persons over 70 years of age are obligated to stay in quarantine-like conditions.

We have compiled a list of food markets with home delivery service or pick-up. Please find the list in the end of this release. NB! If you are unable to pick up your purchases and somebody else picks up the purchases for you, you must agree on that by phone and in order to avoid contact, always ask for the purchases to be left outside your door.

Opening hours of the service advice for family and social services will be expanded from the present. Currently the service advice in open two hours a day.

Ppky Kallio pandemic reception is now open

Ppky Kallio has opened a pandemic reception for treatment of patients with respiratory tract infection symptoms only. The reception must always be contacted at first by phone in order to reduce the risk of infection. Phone number is: 08 419 5140. The number serves all those suffering from various flu symptoms. Pandemic reception operates in the premises of specialist staff members of Ylivieska health care centre. There is a separate entrance from the street Kirkkotie (door 13). Pandemic reception in Nivala will be opened later, in case the need for reception increases.

The area is now plagued with flu, RS-virus (respiratory syncytial virus) and other respiratory infections. The symptoms of coronavirus infection can be very similar. Despite of the pathogen, if you have mild symptoms, rest at home and avoid social contacts for at least 7 days. You can return to work after you have been asymptomatic for at least 2 days. Coronavirus sampling will be targeted specifically at at-risk groups, because the testing capacity is so far very limited.

If your symptoms require a health assessment, contact the Oulu University Hospital’s (OYS) 24-hour health guidance helpline, tel. 08 315 2655. On weekdays contact the Ppky Kallio pandemic reception at phone number 08 419 5140 and in the evenings or weekends at the joint emergency department of Oulaskangas regional hospital in Oulainen at phone number 08 315 7840. Familiarize yourself with the symptom assessment of Omaolo at www.omaolo.fi (in Finnish language) and evaluate yourself.

Residents in Ppky Kallio area are encouraged to take care of their health and each others during these exceptional times. Follow the announcements at www.kalliopp.fi as well as in the social media channels. Latest information on coronavirus can be found on address www.thl.fi.

Additional information: Päivi Peltokorpi, Director of Health Services, tel. 044 419 5002.

Food markets in Ppky Kallio area with collecting service for delivery and home deliveries service

• K-Supermarket Nivala: online store, home deliveries service/pick-up, orders online at https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/k-supermarket-nivala

• S-Market Nivala: collecting service for delivery Tue-Fri, tel. 020 780 7711

• Halpa-Halli, Nivala and Ylivieska: dry foods online store www.halpahalli.fi

• K-Market Mutti, Sievi, home delivery Mon-Fri, orders online at https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/k-market-mutti

• K-Market Mustikka, Ylivieska: collecting service for delivery Mon-Fri, the purchases can be picked up without going inside the shop. Home delivery on Tuesdays at 9-11. Order and payment online at https://www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/k-market-mustikka

• Prisma Ylivieska: collecting service is at your disposal, home deliveries service is starting at the turn of March and April. Order and payment online at https://www.foodie.fi/ylivieska or by mobile application.

The service is chargeable. Check your food market for price information.

On 16 March 2020

The Government decided on additional measures to address the coronavirus outbreak in Finland. The aim of the measures is to protect the population and to safeguard the functioning of society and the economy. The measures will be in force until 13 April 2020. The Government has announced, in cooperation with the President of the Republic that there is a state of emergency in the country as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Early childhood education

Early childhood education and care units and the pre-primary education organised in connection with them will be kept in operation. The Government advises parents and guardians who are able to arrange childcare at home to do so. Family day care is in operation normally.

Raitalan päiväkoti Raitala day care centre is closed between 18 March 2020 and 13 April 2020 (former Suvantokoti care unit for the elderly, address of Raivaajantie 12). Children in pre-primary

education arranged in the day care centre and children in groups and clubs functioning in the day care centre do not have a need for day care. Guardians will be informed directly about it separately.

All other day care centres continue to operate. All the guardians, who are not at work and who can arrange child care at home, are advised to report the child’s absence to the early childhood education office of their own.

Private day care centre Pilke itself informs directly the guardians of the children in care. Payment commitments granted by Nivala town to a private day care provider are still valid.

Concerning municipal early childhood education, the place of care can be temporarily terminated and no early childhood education payments will be charged. In the event of increased illness or quarantine absences of the personnel or an order from authorities requires the closure of a day care centre, the authorities are prepared for transfers of childcare to a new location.

Pupils in pre-primary education who stay at home will not be provided distance learning in alternative ways. Parents take care of the guidance of pupils who stay at home according to instructions of the pre-primary education teachers. Pupils in pre-primary education bring the material home with them.

Knuutinpuhto day care centre, Pappilantie 1

director Päivi Vähäkangas, tel. 040-344 7462, pk.knuutinpuhto@nivala.fi

Muurahaiset unit, tel. 040 344 7352

Eskarit pre-primary school unit, tel. 040 344 7353

Pirttiranta day care centre, Lupsunmutka 8

director Päivi Vähäkangas, tel. 040-344 7462, pk.pirttiranta@nivala.fi

Haitulit unit, tel. 040-344 7361

Hemulit unit, tel. 040-344 7360

Peltopuisto day care centre, Lisäkuja 6

director Anni Sarjanoja, tel. 040-344 7463, pk.peltopuisto@nivala.fi

Peukaloiset (0-3 yrs) unit, tel. 040-344 7357

Sirkkuset (3-5 yrs) unit, tel. 040-344 7358

Peipposet (pre-primary school) unit, tel. 040-344 7359

Nokela day care centre, Kalervontie 1

director Päivi Vähäkangas, tel. 040-344 7462, pk.nokela@nivala.fi

Kipparit unit, tel. 040-344 7354

Matruusit unit, tel. 040-344 7355

Puosut unit, tel. 040-344 7356

Vilkuna day care centre, Koivuahontie 20

director Helena Laitila, tel. 040-344 7461, pk.vilkuna@nivala.fi

Apilat unit, tel. 040-344 7362

Esikot unit, tel. 040-344 7364

Päivänkakkarat unit, tel. 040-344 7365

Kissankellot unit, tel. 040-344 7366

Family day care guidance, Anni Sarjanoja tel. 040 3447 463

Early childhood education office

Director of early childhood education Sari Suhonen tel. 040 3447 460

Office secretary Raija Mäenpää tel. 040 3447 466

School services

The premises of schools will be closed down and contact teaching in them will be suspended. As an exception, however, pre-primary education organised in schools and contact teaching for grades 1-3 in primary education will continue for the children of parents working in sectors critical to the functioning of society. (Please find the list of sectors below. ¹)

A further exception is that contact teaching will continue to be arranged for pupils who require it according to a decision on special-needs support; however, parents and guardians who are able to arrange childcare at home are still requested to do so. The above-mentioned arrangements will enter into force on Wednesday 18 March 2020.

Instead of contact teaching, the teaching and guidance provided by general upper secondary education and basic education providers will be organised to the widest extent possible in alternative ways, including distance learning, various digital learning environments and solutions, and where necessary, self-learning.

The matriculation examinations will be carried out by 23 March 2020 according to the condensed schedule published on 13 March 2020, taking into account the instructions issued by the health authorities.

Government policy recommendations for providers of early childhood education and care, preprimary education, primary and lower secondary education, general upper secondary education, vocational education, higher education, liberal education and basic art education in order to slow down the spread of coronavirus infections. (Press release of the Ministry of Education and Culture on 16 March 2020.) https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/current-issues/press-releases

Pupils have been given textbooks to take home. Pupils study and progress according to teacher’s instructions. Teacher communicates with pupils with the help of Wilma, phone, e-mail or remotely. The teacher makes assessments on pupils’ working remotely. The starting point is that comprehensive school-leaving certificates and other certificates will be issued normally.

School psychology services are available by phone, e-mail or using remote services when separately agreed on that. Connection to the school curator (school social worker) services are available primarily by phone or e-mail. School transportations for pupils who go to school continue. Temporary absences of the pupils, who continue to go to school, in grades 1-3 and of pupils with special needs, will be reported to the traffic contractor as before.

Contact information for schools can be found at Nivala town websites. https://www.nivala.fi/yhteystiedot

(¹ At least the following sectors have been identified as critical, further information will be provided by the Government: health care, logistics, rescue, food chain, waste disposal, water supply, cleaners, energy production, personnel of early childhood education, nuclear power, teachers, pharmacy personnel, media representatives. The list will be complemented, when the Government publishes the sectors.) https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/information-on-coronavirus

Free-time services

Library is closed and the library bus is not operating. The loan material can be returned after the closing date and no accrued fees will be charged. Electronic material of the Tiekkö library network is at your disposal on the address of tiekko.finna.fi In the web library at your disposal are e-books and e-audio books, e-magazines, videos and music materials. In addition to the library card, a password is needed, which you can ask for from the library. The library meeting rooms are not in use.

Additional information tel. 040 344 7347, e-mail: asiakaspalvelu.kirjasto@nivala.fi

Tillarigalleria art gallery is closed.

Nuorisotila Kulmaus youth centre is closed. Youth work will be continued in social media. Follow the following social media channels: Facebook: Nuorisotila Kulmaus, Instagram:nuorisotilakulmaus, TikTok: kulmaus, Snapchat: kulmaus

Pajalan tilat Pajala premises are closed.

Juttutupa premise is closed.

Rokkitupa premise is closed.

Nivalan Liikuntakeskus Uikko Sports Centre is closed starting from 18 March 2020. Entry to the Sports Centre premises is prevented also by electronic keys.

Jokilatvan opisto citizen institute is closed between 18 March 2020 and 13 April 2020.

Jokilaaksojen musiikkiopisto ky music institute suspends the contact teaching between 18 March 2020 and 13 April 2020, and all teaching will be arranged as distance teaching. The teacher will contact the pupils and tell more precisely about the practical arrangements. Entrance exams of the spring will be postponed to August, concerts and other events will be cancelled for now. The music institute cannot receive visitors from abroad during the spring 2020.

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services

Farmers’ holiday and stand-in services are normally in operation and the customers of the services are informed directly of any changes.

Nivalan Työpajasäätiö sr Nivala workshop foundation

Workshops at Nivalan Työpajasäätiö are closed between 18 March 2020 and 13 April 2020. Individual coach services are available for the customers of Nivalan Työpajasäätiö sr remotely. Furthermore, the outreach youth worker can be contacted by phone, e-mail or in social media.

Premise closings

The Town hall is closed between 17 March 2020 and 13 April 2020. Appointments must be agreed in advance by phone or e-mail with the employee concerned. Nivala town orders the employees of Nivala town to remote work, whose tasks allow it. Divisional directors issue orders in their own sector.

Other restrictions ordered by the Government

Visits to housing services for the elderly and other at-risk groups will be prohibited. Visitors will be banned from care institutions, health care units and hospitals, with the exception of asymptomatic family members of children and critically ill individuals, family members of those in hospice care and spouses or support persons in the maternity ward, who will be permitted to visit on a case-by-case basis.

As a general guideline, persons over 70 years of age must refrain from contact with other persons to the extent possible (quarantine-like conditions), with the exception of members of parliament, the state leadership and elected officials in local government.

In the case of critical personnel, exceptions will be made to the provisions of the Working Hours Act and the Annual Holidays Act in both the private and public sector. (Please find the list below.²)

Finns and permanent residents in Finland returning from abroad will be placed in quarantinelike conditions for two weeks. Persons returning from abroad must agree on the date of their return to work after a two-week period of absence together with their employer.

Limitation on public gatherings: Public gatherings are limited to no more than ten persons, and it is recommended to avoid spending unnecessary time in public places.

(² At least the following sectors have been identified as critical, further information will be provided by the Government: health care , logistics, rescue, food chain, waste disposal, water supply, cleaners, energy production, personnel of early childhood education, nuclear power, teachers, pharmacy personnel, media representatives. The list will be complemented, when the Government publishes the sectors.) https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/information-on-coronavirus

From the President’s Pen, Sauli Niinistö President of the Republic of Finland on 16 March 2020:

“Our daily lives will be inevitably affected and we will be compelled to face a reality, in which our thoughts and actions are dominated by health, livelihood and consideration for others. First and foremost, these concerns quite naturally extend to the people closest to us. But ultimately, this is not just about them. It is about everybody.

We need one another. Now it is important to support those who to serve others, from healthcare personnel to retail staff. Yes, the customer is still the king, but we are called upon to ensure the continuity of services and take this into account when going about our business.

The public sector is focusing its efforts on protecting those most at risk. But there is still plenty of things to do for others. The examples of neighbourly help and assistance that we have witnessed are encouraging and reassuring.

The first economic blows will be felt by the service sector. Others too will suffer serious losses, and we need to share the burden. A week ago I wrote: We will make it. It still holds true.”

Source: presidentti.fi