According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outbreak of the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus is mainly associated with China, but travellers have carried it also to other countries.
As of January 30th, 9 cases of infection have been confirmed in Europe: 4 in Germany and France and 1 case in Finland. Up-to-date information is available on the web pages of the Health Board and WHO:
According to the Health Board, the risk of carrying the disease into Estonia is currently low.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends to avoid travelling to China, first of all the Hubei risk area. In order to stop the disease from spreading further, extensive movement restrictions have been applied in China, including blocking of bus and train traffic, many tourist attractions have been closed. When in China, the Health Board recommends to wash hands regularly, wear a face mask, avoid public transport and busy areas. The people at highest risk are elderly people with serious health problems living and residing in the risk area of China. We certainly recommend that everyone should register their trips abroad on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: reisitargalt.vm.ee/registreerimine.
After returning from China and especially from the risk area (Wuhan, Hubei), you should monitor your health for 14 days and if you have a temperature, a cough or breathing difficulties, please call your doctor and tell them about your trip to the risk area of the disease.
In order to prevent the infection, you should adhere to the common hygiene requirements, such as washing your hands and avoiding contact with people with symptoms of respiratory diseases. If you cough or sneeze, please cover your mouth and nose with a napkin or your sleeve and afterwards wash your hands.
Additional information about coronavirus:
www.terviseamet.ee/et/mis-uus-koroonaviirus.
