University of Tartu virology professor and former head of the government's scientific council Irja Lutsar told ERR that massive PCR testing is no longer justified due to the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The government's new scientific council is starting its work from Monday and is planning to share less of the discussions with the media and stay away from specific opinions regarding the restrictions.
Hospitalization due to Covid numbers are key, the council said – if they fall below 100 nationwide, the easing of restrictions can be lifted, the newly-composed government Covid advisory council said Friday, notwithstanding a pledge made at the same press conference to not state when restrictions should be imposed or lifted.
According to the new chief of the government's advisory scientific council Toivo Maimets, he would have liked to see at least a few previous council members join his new line-up, but they all refused and said they have not been able to deal with their regular activities over the past two years.
The head of the government's scientific council, cell biology professor at the University of Tartu Toivo Maimets, introduced the new members of the government's coronavirus advisory board - dubbed the Scientific Council - on Thursday. The new council will start its work from next week.