The state of emergency in Estonia will end as of May 18, however, we will continue to have healthcare emergency. Some continuous restrictions have been confirmed and many restrictions are eased. We have compiled here the core of most interesting points, please follow the links below for more precise descriptions.
Restrictions on crossing the state border and quarantine
The government approved an order extending the restrictions on crossing the Estonian state border and 14-day quarantine requirement for persons who had previously been subject to this requirement.
Exceptions are for Latvian and Lithuanian citizens, holders of residence permits, or persons with a right of residence in these countries who have no symptoms of the disease, as they may enter Estonia without an obligation for quarantine. Additionally, Finnish citizens, holders of residence permits, or persons with a right of residence in Finland who have no symptoms of the disease can also enter Estonia, but only for work or study, unavoidable family reasons such as meeting with their close relatives, attending a funeral or a wedding, or if they need a visit due to illness.
A foreign national without symptoms of the disease is allowed to transit through Estonia for travelling to their home country.
Restrictions for COVID-19 patients and people living with them
The order has been confirmed to establish quarantine for COVID-19 patients and people living with them who are in close contact with the patients. People infected with COVID-19 are prohibited from leaving their place of residence from the time of diagnosis until recovery. Those in close contact with infected persons have some limitations to move outside their residence. They may leave home only if they have no symptoms of the disease, and only if it is unavoidable. They can spend time outdoors with all the measures taken to prevent the spread of the disease, according to instructions of the Health Board. The person may also leave their residence on an order from a healthcare worker or a police officer, or in the event of an emergency with the person's life or health in danger.
Extension of referrals to doctor appointments
During the emergency situation, most scheduled appointments were canceled, and tens of thousands of referrals have expired or about to expire. As a result, the health information system (TEHIK) automatically extended the validity of these referrals for half a year.
Education
Education in lower secondary schools, upper secondary schools, vocational education institutions and higher education institutions (except in research and development institutions of universities and research institutions), as well as in continuous education institutions, informal education and hobby activities, and the activities of open youth centres, must follow the 2 meters distance rule; students may work in groups of no more than 10 (except for exams).
As of June 1, in informal education and hobby activities the 2 meters distance requirement must be observed, up to 50% of the indoor capacity may be used and no more than 100 people can participate outdoors.
As of June 12, it is possible to organize youth and student camps if the 2 meters distance rule is observed; with no more than 300 participants and one group can have up to 20 people.
For driving schools´ premises and cars, 1 to 1 training with the use of disinfectants is allowed.
Restrictions on movement at public places
In public places and indoor premises, the so-called 2+2 rule remains in force. Both outdoors and indoors, up to two people may be together, keeping a distance of 2 meters from other people. The rule applies to all activities in Estonia outside domestic conditions.
In sales and service premises, shopping centers, compliance with the 2+2 rule must be ensured. Both employees and customers must be provided with a possibility of using disinfectants.
Until July 1, the catering establishments need to close from 22:00, but take-away purchases are allowed.
The nightclubs, casinos and slot machine arcades, hookah cafes, and adult clubs will remain closed. Tallinn-Stockholm cruises will not take place.
As of June 1, bowling, billiards, and playrooms for children may be open with the 50% capacity requirement and provision of disinfectant. The rules for recreational sports apply to bowling and billiard.
As of June 1, saunas, spas, swimming pools, and water centers can open. Compliance with the 2+2 rule, the requirement for dispersion of people, for 50% capacity and for disinfection must be guaranteed. The rules on sports are applicable for swimming trainings.
Public religious services and other religious rites are allowed if the 2+2 rule is complied with and the provision of disinfectants is guaranteed.
Public meetings may be held indoors if the 50% capacity rule is observed. As of May 18, up to 10 persons may participate, as of June 1, 50 persons and as of July 1, 500 persons.
Public meetings may be held outdoors if the organizer ensures no more than 100 persons attend as of May 18, and no more than 1000 persons from July 1. The 2+2 rule must be observed.
All other public events are prohibited until June 30. As an exception, open air, drive-in cinemas and concerts are allowed.
As of July 1, movies, performances, concerts, conferences, fairs, festivals, and other public events are allowed, incl. sports competitions without spectators, if the 2 meters rule is observed, the indoor premises are filled to no more than 50% capacity; with up to 500 people at any indoor event. Outdoors, up to 1,000 people would be allowed at an event.
Restriction on the alcohol sale, including in restaurants and bars, from 22:00 to 10:00 remains, until July 1.
Sports
It is allowed to engage in sports (trainings and events) if the 2 meters rule is observed and the number of participants is up to 10, and disinfectant is available. As of June 1, the number of participants would be up to 100. Several exceptions are made here for sports teams following the requirements of the international competition regulation, Estonian national teams and championship league.
Sports competitions without spectators can be held outdoors with no more than 100 participants with the provision of disinfectants guaranteed.
As for indoors sports and trainings, the compliance with 2 meters distance requirements must be guaranteed, no more than 50% of the capacity of the space is filled, disinfectants are available, and the number of participants is up to 10 people. As of June 1, the size of the group is no longer limited, but the 50% capacity and 2 meters rule continue. The same applies to the training groups (exc. the ones mentioned above).
Museums and exhibitions
In museums and exhibitions, the 2+2 rule must be observed; with maximum of 10 visitors in the group; the availability of disinfectants must be ensured. Creative workshops will not be organized using commonly used tools or, if organized, they will be disinfected after each user.
The necessity of the amendment to or repeal of the order shall be assessed at the latest every two weeks.
Read more:
https://news.err.ee/1090842/gov-approves-measures-to-remain-in-effect-after-emergency-situation-ends
https://news.err.ee/1091069/end-of-emergency-situation-also-brings-changes-in-health-care
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