A Message from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia

(Unoffical translation by EANC)

27 March 2020

Dear global Estonians and Estonians residing abroad!

It was exactly one month ago that we in Estonian learned of the first confirmed case of an Estonian being infected by the coronavirus. As of today, we have tested and compiled results from over 8000 individuals, of whom nearly 600 have been confirmed to have tested positive. Unfortunately, the virus has also already shown us its most vicious side by taking the first Estonian life.

In actuality, Estonia and other countries have a significantly higher number of virus carriers than those counted among the official confirmed cases; many of those affected have not yet shown telltale symptoms. Because some individuals infected only experience mild symptoms, not everyone afflicted will suspect they have contracted coronavirus. Yet, they may — at the very same time — be unwittingly passing along the virus to those people with whom they are in contact. For this reason, we made the decision last weekend to expand the scope of testing availability, thus also putting Estonia´s confirmed number of cases per capita among the highest in Europe. It is my belief that this measure will give us a clearer picture of the spread of the virus as well as the effectiveness of the measurers taken to combat the spread thus far, and thereby helping prevent an ever-increasing rate of infection.

I ask that in the coming weeks and months that we all, please, heed the simple guidelines to help limit the spread of the virus all around the world.
1. Be aware of and sensitive to your own health and that of others.
2. Stay isolated at home at the first sign of respiratory difficulty or symptoms, and closely adhere to the guidelines put forth by the health authorities.
3. Without hesitation, call for help at the sign of serious symptoms.
4. Avoid contact with other people as much as possible. Keep a safe distance between yourself and others at all times, regardless of whether you are in a store, public transportation, in nature or elsewhere in the company of others.
5. Practice good hygiene measures.
6. Follow the guidelines and mandates put forth by the health experts and the respective guidelines in the various countries in which you reside.

Around the world, medical workers, caretakers, social workers, police officers, border guards, rescue workers and other essential workers are taking great pains on the frontlines to fight this virus in the name of keeping the rest of us safe and healthy. We must also recognize the grocery workers, customer service personnel, educators in schools and childcare services, postal workers, public transportation drivers, journalists and so many more, who are carrying out their responsibilities and duties despite risk to their own health and lives. Let´s also show them our gratitude at each opportunity.

It is my hope that we are all able to return to our regular rhythm of life as quickly as possible. Until then, we must accept all of these directives and limitations as necessary and unavoidable for the protection of ourselves, our loved ones and entire communities.

Wishing you all strong health – May you all be safe!

(Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia, Jüri Ratas)