COVID-19 blog, 14 May: 7 new positive test results in 24 hours

Over the past 24 hours, 1044 tests were analysed for the COVID-19 causing SARS-CoV-2 virus, of which 7 (0.7%) showed positive results.

Based on data from the population register, 5 new positive tests were found in Harju County (3 in Tallinn) and 2 in Pärnu County.

According to the latest data from the morning of 14 May, 44 patients require hospitalisation in Estonia due to the coronavirus, of whom 5 are on ventilation. 284 persons have been discharged from hospitals, 294 disease cases have been closed.

To date, 909 (67.3%) disease cases have been closed, which means that these persons have been declared recovered. In the case of 442 persons (32.7%), more than 28 days have passed from receiving a positive test result. These persons are not hospitalised and are waiting for a confirmation of their recovery.

Over the past 24 hours, the Health Board received one notification of a death at home – an 85 year old woman passed away in Saaremaa. In total, the coronavirus has caused the deaths of 62 persons in Estonia.

A total of 67 130 first time tests have been carried out in Estonia, of which 1 758 (2.6%) have been positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For more detailed statistics on coronavirus testing, please see www.koroonakaart.ee/en.

Globally, over 4 million people have been infected with the coronavirus and nearly 280 000 persons have died due to the virus. 

The virus is still spreading, which is why hygiene and distancing measures continue to be important. The Health Board reminds everyone that the coronavirus is still spreading in Estonia, its neighbouring countries, and the rest of the world. Although many of the restrictions have been lifted, the emergency situation is in effect until 17 May.

During the emergency situation, public places are subject to the 2+2 rule: only two persons can move around together, while keeping a distance of at least two meters with others. Visiting shops and restaurants should be planned ahead and in addition to the 2+2 rule, hand hygiene measures should still be under heightened attention. If symptoms of illness arise, stay home and call your general practitioner.  

Shopping centres can open sales and service halls and restaurants if disinfectants are made available to customers and the 2+2 rule is followed. The rules also apply to the general areas of the shopping centre and all service halls and restaurants outside of shopping centres.

Shopping centre restaurants can serve food for consuming on location. Restaurants must also follow the 2+2 rule and position tables at least 2 metres apart, in a manner that up to two persons can sit at the table (the restriction does not apply to families).