Doctors: Coronavirus needs early diagnosis to halt spread
Family doctors say it is important to identify individual cases of COVID-19 as quickly as possible. A recent uptick in cases saw significant numbers of new infections within the same family or, in one case, the same company, but there is also concern for individual cases where it is not clear where the virus was picked up.
Family doctors say that early detection is key, to prevent carriers then passing the virus on further.
Le Vallikivi, head of the family doctors' association (perearstide salt) said: "The task now is to limit the passing on of infection; for instance we need to find these people as early as possible. The medical sector must have as few barriers as possible, to enable an individual to contact a medical institution."
Social affairs minister Tanel Kiik (Center) told ETV current affairs show "Aktuaalne kaamera" Friday night additional steps are now being considered following the increase in reported cases – from the zero reported for June 1, to the 20 and 21 cases reported for June 4 and 5 – adding it is important now to quickly isolate, test and treat those who have been exposed to the virus.
"If this trend continues, then we will have to start thinking again about whether it is necessary to take any additional steps and additional measures. As of now, first of all, it is important to identify close contacts, quickly isolate and test those exposed to the disease," Kiik said.
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Editor: Andrew Whyte