COVID-19 'detective': Majority understand sharing close contacts important
The so-called coronavirus detective, the Health Board's (Terviseamet) advisor Mihkel Näks says that most people infected with coronavirus understand the importance of sharing information about their close contacts with the board.
Näks told ETV current affairs program "Ringvaade" that every morning, the "detectives" start contacting the newly infected, via phone call.
"We call them for as long and as much as needed to get hold of the individual. Then we can start giving them guidelines," Näks said.
First, the situation of the infected is identified; if he or she has, or has in the past displayed, any symptoms of coronavirus. Next, they start investigating who their close contacts are and when they may have had contact.
"We have to be thankful that most people share the information. The person understands that it is important to inform the Health Board of all people that he or she has been in contact with for at least 15 consecutive minutes and at a two-meter or less distance. Whether this was sitting somewhere in the bar, with a colleague etc., it is an important step for us. Also, their loved ones should be considered," Näks said.
Näks said that sometimes it is clear that an individual is not telling the truth about their contacts and activities.
"In that case we keep pressing them. People need to understand that it is not only about them. You want your loved ones to be safe," Näks said.
"Regarding the epidemic, our goal is to remind all people who have been exposed to an infected person, that staying at home for two weeks is a requirement," he added.
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Editor: Roberta Vaino
