The laboratories diagnosed additional 35 persons with coronavirus

As of morning of March 25, 404 persons were infected with coronavirus, total number of tests performed were 4,809.  As of yesterday, 768 additional tests were done.

Compared to day before, 35 positive test results were found: 11 in Tartu county, 8 in Harju County, 8 in Võru County, 2 in Ida-Viru County, 2 in Pärnu County, 2 in Saaremaa Island, 1 in Lääne-Virumaa County, and 1 in Põlva County. The share of people aged over 60 is 19% of the infected persons.

As of yesterday, 28 patients needed in-patient care in Estonia due to the novel coronavirus, 7 of whom are in intensive care and 5 are in critical condition. Eight people have been discharged. 

The coronavirus map displaying Estonian data is available on the website www.terviseamet.ee/koroonakaart (the page does not display correctly when using the Internet Explorer).

The Health Board, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the State are working in order to supply more personal protective equipment to Estonia. Estonia is participating in a joint procurement organised by the European Commission for the purchase of face masks, gloves, protective clothing and protective goggles. According to the European Commission's timetable, procurement may be postponed to May.

In addition, the Health Board has concluded two contracts, one of which ordered 50,000 FFP3 respirators at the beginning of March, followed by 85,000 additional FFP3 respirators. The six-month framework agreement allows up to 260,000 respirator masks to be ordered.

By the end of March, 200,000 triple layer surgical mask delivery should reach us, but we must take into account that the delivery times are increasing. Negotiations are ongoing with the FFP2 suppliers, and we will do our utmost to procure the items over the coming weeks. The Health Board receives personal protective equipment mainly from Estonian suppliers and Chinese producers. Unfortunately, however, we must take into account the fact that, in the current situation, logistics companies face various obstacles, and deliveries may be delayed.

If you are experiencing any symptoms (cough, fever), the family physician or family doctor's advisory line 1220 must be called for instructions. For coronavirus questions, the hotline 1247 of the Emergency Response Centre provides information 24/7 free of charge. Hospitals and care facilities offer the help of spiritual counsellors.

In case of breathing difficulties or shortage of air, the emergency number 112 should be called.

The need for a test will be assessed by a doctor, and it will be done based on health indications.  If a person becomes ill, they should remain at home and, if possible, inform the people with whom they have been in close contact in recent days of their illness. Persons with mild symptoms such as cough, low fever must stay at home, and if necessary, alleviate their symptoms with over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

Further information is available on the Health Board designated website www.terviseamet.ee/uuskoroonaviirus and the Heath Board Facebook page.  Answers to the questions regarding the emergency situation can be found on the on the Government's website at www.valitsus.ee/et/eriolukord#KKK.