Coronavirus and preventing its spread

The symptoms of COVID-19 and their severity vary widely. There may be no symptoms at all, but it can also lead to severe pneumonia. After recovery, permanent damage to health can occur and in the worst cases, the disease can be fatal. COVID-19 is especially dangerous for those in risk groups. Vaccination, the use of personal protective equipment, adherence to hygiene rules, and keeping a safe distance from others help to prevent the spread of the virus.

Current restrictions

In order to avoid the spread of the virus and getting infected, to protect the life and health of the people and to ensure the functioning of the society, it is necessary to follow the enacted restrictions and guidelines. The Government of the Republic in co-operation with the Scientific Advisory Board does a weekly assessment of the virus risk in the country and enacts or eases the measures according to the risk level.

All restrictions »

If you have COVID-19 or suspect you have fallen ill, contact your family physician or call the family physicians’ advisory line (1220). If you develop any symptoms, please do not visit the emergency department or visit your family physician in person, but instead first ask for the advice of your family physician over the phone.

  • Remain at home for at least five days (even if you are asymptomatic). Contact your family physician for a certificate to show your incapacity for work or a certificate for care leave.
  • Avoid contact with other people.
  • Please notify your close contacts that they may have been infected.

The close contacts of a person diagnosed with COVID-19 should self-isolate for at least five days and monitor their health. It is especially important to avoid contact with people belonging to a risk group (regardless of their vaccination status). If complete isolation is not possible, wear a protective mask that tightly covers the nose and mouth.

It is not necessary to observe the advice to remain at one’s own residence or permanent place of abode for five calendar days in the following cases:

  • the individual is vaccinated (or is the equivalent to a vaccinated person), has received a booster vaccination, and less than one year has passed since they received their most recent vaccination
  • the individual has completed the initial COVID-19 vaccination cycle and less than nine months (270 days) has passed since they received their most recent vaccination
  • the individual is considered to be the equivalent to a vaccinated individual (ie. they have recovered from the virus and have received one vaccine dose), and less than nine months (270 days) have passed since they received their most recent vaccine
  • the individual has had COVID-19 within the past six months (180 days) and has been declared by a physician to have recovered.

What to do if I become sick?

In case of symptoms, you should stay at home regardless of the COVID-19 test result. You can get the first health advice from the family doctor's helpline 1220 (+372 634 6630), in case of acute symptoms call 112. Also read the home care guide prepared by family doctors. Contact your close contacts and inform them about your illness.

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What should I do if I have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect being infected?

If you learn that you have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, monitor your health for five days. If you show any signs of illness, you should stay home. The principle applies to all viral respiratory infections.

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Nature and spread of the coronavirus

The virus is transmitted mainly through droplets while coming into close contact with an infectious person. When an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes, the virus particles are released into the air and bystanders can inhale them. The best way to avoid the virus is to get vaccinated and stay at home with any symptoms.

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Prevention of the coronavirus

Vaccination is the best protection as it protects against severe consequences of the illness and significantly reduces the risk of infection. It is also important to wash your hands often, avoid touching your nose and mouth, and remind your children to do the same. Keep your distance and wear a mask in public places.

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Personal protection, masks, and surroundings

To avoid contracting the coronavirus, it is important to wash your hands with soap and warm water, wear a mask in a way that provides maximum protection against the virus, change the mask regularly, and wash homemade masks after each use in 60-degree water. Public areas must be regularly ventilated and surfaces disinfected.

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Mental health during the emergency situation

It is natural to be sad, confused, frightened and stressed during the crisis. You can help yourself by keeping regular contact with friends and relatives and getting a professional help from a mental help specialist if needed. If you have to stay home, take care of your physical and mental health: eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise. Try to focus on the things that you can control. The recommendations you'll find below were compiled by an expert group of the Estonian Mental Health and Well-Being Coalition VATEK.

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Information given by the authorities

The Health Board 
Information about the coronavirus, its prevention, treatment and spread, instructions and information materials for the infected, close contacts, organisations and enterprises.

The State Agency of Medicines 
Information on the COVID-19 vaccines and other medicines, as well as medicines trials.

Work Life Portal
Information and instructions on the organisation of work life and employment relationships during the crisis situation.

The Agriculture and Food Board
Information and instructions for food business operators and animal keepers on how to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Last updated: 24.03.2022