The Health Board estimates that 5,500 new infection cases will be added this week, while hospital admissions will drop to under 250

Based on forecasts by the Health Board, a little under 5,500 new infection cases may be expected this week, with the number of people who require hospital treatment dropping under 250.

Hanna Sepp, head of the Health Board’s Department of Communicable Diseases: approximately 6,800 new infection cases were added last week, while the number of registered cases has dropped by 25% when compared to the level two weeks ago. ‘The general pace of the downward trend has accelerated. The ‘R’ infection multiplier has remained at 0.8%,’ said Sepp.

According to her, the number of cases has been declining in all counties within the past fourteen days, with the highest decline observed in Ida-Viru County. ‘The number of cases has dropped in all age groups. The greatest decreases were observed in the 55-59 and 15-19 age groups, Sepp explained, adding that the pace at which the virus has been spreading has slowed down amongst those in the 60+ age group. 

Almost 240 people were hospitalised last week, with the number of hospitalisation cases dropping by almost 30%. A little under 300 people required hospital treatment. The average number of serious COVID-19 hospitalisation cases each day over the past ten days has decreased by a third.

Last week the government decided to cancel the nationwide mask-wearing mandate. ‘The Health Board advises everyone to continue to wear a mask in crowded indoor premises and on public transport, especially in the case of at-risk individuals. Coronavirus is still around and is still infectious,’ said Sepp, adding that more than 900 people are still currently being diagnosed with coronavirus every day, and almost thirty people a day on average are being hospitalised due to them exhibiting the more severe cases.

The COVID-19 epidemiological overview for the week can be found here (PDF).