Thursday 30 December 2021

Saaremaa has reached coronavirus herd immunity

The Coronavirus pandemic has ended on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. Saaremaa Hospital chief of medicine Edward Laane said coronavirus vaccinations and recoveries have reached a herd immunity point in Saare County. According to the lastest study, 86% of Saaremaa's population is immune and that number is higher at 90% for risk groups.

Last year Saaremaa became the epicentre of infections in Estonia when a volleyball team from Italy spread the virus to the local population. For two months the island was cut off from the mainland when it went into lockdown. Resources at Kuressaare Hospital were stretched to the limit by the crisis and a field hospital was established by the Estonian Defense Force. Over 100 volunteers came to assist on the island.

The people of Saaremaa must be feeling a great sense of relief right now from this news. More information can be found here (in Estonian).