Other events in Baltic States

Although the Social Ministry has warned that it will soon be time to declare flu epidemic in Estonia, Healthcare Inspection says that as of today, there is no reason for that yet, National Broadcasting/LETA reports.

“The rate of cases of upper respiratory system contagious diseases has increased somewhat in week 48 but not as much as to declare an epidemic,” said Healthcare Inspection PR manager Iiris Saluri.

Social Ministry deputy chancellor Ivi Normet said last week that an epidemic would be declared if the amount of viral infection cases is 1.5 times higher than usual.

All larger hospitals in Tallinn and Tartu have banned visiting patients due to the wave of flu.

So far, two persons who had swine flu have died in Estonia.

Should an epidemic be declared, planned routine medical work would be put aside and attention would be focused on the seriously ill. Work of schools and kindergartens can then be temporarily suspended and mass events might be banned.