Estonian Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, who is overall manager of the government's emergency situation imposed in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, has issued an order forbidding those diagnosed with coronavirus, and those cohabiting or residing with a diagnosed individual, from leaving home, until recovery.

Regulations had been in place requiring those confirmed with the virus, those living with them, and even those who had come into contact with a confirmed case, to self-quarantine for 14 days. The new order tightens up that stricture, however, and comes into effect immediately, for those infected with the virus, and on Saturday for those living with individuals who exhibit symptoms or are confirmed cases, ERR's online news in Estonian reports.

The government office said that the restrictions on freedom of movement are essential for protecting health and upholding the overriding public interest in countering the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

A total of 538 people have been confirmed with coronavirus in Estonia as at the morning of March 26, the Health Board (Terviseamet) has announced, an increase of 134 from March 25th. The significant rise is in part due to changes the Health Board has made in how it gathers data, which will now happen more rapidly.

The highest number of confirmed cases remain in Harju County (including Tallinn) and on Saaremaa.

A total of 7,090 coronavirus tests have now been conducted, the Health Board says.