Image: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva

The Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district (HUS) confirmed on Sunday that it had diagnosed two new novel coronavirus cases in the Helsinki region.

The new cases were individuals who were associated with a woman who had been diagnosed with the disease on Friday. One of the patients is said to be a child, while the other is a senior citizen.

Both returned home after samples were taken and are doing well, according to HUS. They have also been instructed to remain in isolation at home.

HUS said that it expected the diagnosis, based on the symptoms that the patients exhibited.

The hospital district said that infectious diseases specialists, the National Institute for Health and Welfare THL and municipalities are now determining if other individuals may have been exposed to the virus and will be in touch with such persons.

Authorities are expected to hold a press conference on the situation on Sunday at 6pm. At that time HUS and the THL will provide an update on the status of the infected persons and may also report any progress made in reaching others who may have been exposed.

The cases confirmed on Sunday bring the total number of infections diagnosed in Finland to five.