Image: Matias Väänänen / Yle

On Sunday Finland’s Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) said tests had confirmed five additional cases of novel coronavirus in the country.

Two of the cases were diagnosed in the capital region, while the others came to light in Pirkanmaa, North Savo and south-western Finland.

In the capital region, Helsinki University Hospital said the most recent infections included a female retiree and working-age man. The woman, who is quarantined at home, had contracted the infection from northern Italy's epidemic zone. The man, who caught the virus from another infected person, is being treated in hospital.

The Pirkanmaa patient’s infection was also linked to northern Italy.

On Friday national carrier Finnair said it was cancelling hundreds of domestic and European flights between 20 and 28 March due to low passenger volumes owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

Last week health officials launched a hotline for people seeking information about the virus. Residents can phone 0295 535 535 between 08.00 and 21.00 on weekdays and 09.00 and 15.00 on Saturdays.