Covid-19, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Health, Medicine

The patient flew from Bergamo, Italy, to Riga on February 29 and traveled to Estonia by personal transport.

The patient is said to have mild symptoms and is being treated at home, the Estonian Health Department said.

The Health Department is identifying the patient's contacts in order to give them relevant recommendations. The health of the persons who had been in contact with the patient is being monitored and they have told to stay home for 14 days.

The first coronavirus case in Estonia was confirmed on February 27 when an Iranian citizen who had traveled to Tallin through Riga tested positive for Covid-19.

Altogether 98 of the 100 samples analyzed in Estonia tested negative for the virus. The Health Board estimates that individual cases of the disease will be confirmed in Estonia in relation to tourism and international travel, and ascertaining these cases and the people the virus carriers have been in contact with is crucial for stopping further spread of the disease.

People who suspect that they have contracted the coronavirus should contact their general practitioner, request advice via the family physician advisory hotline 1220, or call an ambulance by dialing 112 in the case of severe health issues, such as difficulty breathing. Medical professionals strongly advise against going to the emergency room as the person may end up spreading the virus further by doing so.

Coronavirus suspicions are only justified if a person has both recently traveled to an area affected by the virus and is also exhibiting the corresponding symptoms. Otherwise the person may have contracted influenza or a similar virus.  

 The Health Board is advising people to wash their hands and avoid people who have symptoms of respiratory illness. After returning from a risk area, a person should monitor their health for 14 days and not return to their school or workplace, if possible. If a fever, cough or breathing difficulties occur, contact a doctor immediately and inform them of the trip.

A press conference will be given regarding the case at the Health Board at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.