COVID-19 blog 12 August: eight new positive test results have been added in the last 24 hours

The last 24 hours have seen a total of 1,427 initial tests being analysed in Estonia in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19, with eight new positive test results being added.

Based on the data in the population register, three positive test results came from Harju County (all of which were from Tallinn), two from Tartu County (one of which was from the city of Tartu), one from Jõgeva County, one from Põlva County and, in the case of one individual who tested positive, their county of origin was not specified in the population register. In two of the new cases, an investigation is currently underway to deduce whether the individuals were infected at their place of work. In one case, the individual’s visit to an entertainment establishment is being investigated and, in two other cases, the infection originated from France. The origins of the infection in the remaining cases are still being investigated.

In the course of its epidemiological investigation, the Health Board has currently identified 37 infection cases that can be linked to the Vabank outbreak, while twenty-one cases are linked to Naiiv Night Club, and nineteen cases to Shooters Night Club.

As of the morning of 12 August, nine people in Estonia are being treated in hospital due to coronavirus, with one patient on a ventilator. There have been no new deaths in the past 24 hours. Coronavirus has claimed the lives of a total of 63 people in Estonia. As of today, hospitals have closed a total of 396 cases relating to COVID-19 which involved 383 people.

A total of 1,975 people have recovered from COVID-19 by today. The cases of 1,500 people have been closed (75.9% of the total) and, in the case of 475 people (24.1%), more than 28 days have passed since they tested positive and the individuals concerned are not being treated in hospital, meaning that they are awaiting confirmation of their recovery.

More than 130,000 initial tests have been analysed in Estonia, of which 2,174 or 1.67% of the total have been positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Detailed statistical data from the coronavirus tests is available at www.koroonakaart.ee/en.

How can the spread of coronavirus be stopped?

• The most efficient measure which can be applied to avoid being infected is keeping one’s distance.
• In crowded places and especially indoors where it is not possible to maintain the required distance from other people, it is advisable to wear a mask.
• Closed, crowded spaces should be avoided if possible.
• The rules governing hand hygiene must be observed: hands must be washed frequently.
• Hands should be washed in soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitation products should be used in public places.
• When you sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue. Immediately safely dispose of the used tissue and clean your hands. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (or part of your forearm), not your bare hand, to cover your mouth and nose.
• Anyone who becomes ill should stay at home, even if their symptoms are mild.
• People who develop any symptoms should suspect that they have coronavirus and contact their family physician.
   

COVID-19 is a droplet infection which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreading from one person to another as a result of sneezing and coughing or via contaminated surfaces and unwashed hands.

Further information about COVID-19 can be found on the Health Board website and on its Facebook page.