Under the preamble of § 28 (2) and under § 28 (6) of the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act and considering § 28 (2) 2) and 3), § 28 (5) 2) and 3) and § 28 (8) of the same, the following restrictions are imposed:
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 - entry into force 15.01.2021]
1. A
person who has crossed the state border for the purpose of entering Estonia
shall remain in their place of residence or permanent place of stay for
10 calendar days after arrival in Estonia.
[RT III, 29.10.2020, 2 –
entry into force 30.10.2020]
11. A
person who crosses the state border for the purpose of entering Estonia and who
arrives from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall
have taken, up to 72 hours before arrival in the country, a test for the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease which came back negative,
and shall remain in their place of residence or permanent place of stay for
10 calendar days after arrival in Estonia. If a person has not taken a
test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease up to
72 hours before arrival in the country, that person shall take a test
promptly after arrival in Estonia. If a person refuses to be tested, the
measures and restrictions provided for in § 27 (1) 1) and 2) of
the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act may be applied to them.
The requirement set out in this clause for being tested does not apply to
children under 12 years of age.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 –
entry into force 15.01.2021]
2. The 10-calendar-day restriction referred to in clauses 1
and 11 does not apply if:
1) up to 72 hours before arrival in the country a person
took a test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease and the
results of that test came back negative and, following arrival in Estonia, no
earlier than on the sixth day after the first test the person takes a second
test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease and the results
of that test also come back negative or a physician declares the person not to
be contagious. Until the test has come back negative the person is required to
remain in their place of residence or permanent place of stay;
2) a person who failed to take a test for the coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease up to 72 hours before arrival in
the country took the test promptly after arrival in Estonia and the results of
that test came back negative and no earlier than on the sixth day after the
initial test the person takes a second test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
causing the COVID-19 disease and the results of that test also come back
negative or a physician declares the person not to be contagious. Until the
test has come back negative the person is required to remain in their place of
residence or permanent place of stay.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force 15.01.2021]
3. A
person referred to in clauses 1 and 11 may leave their
place of residence or permanent place of stay provided the person takes
measures imposed by the Government of the Republic or the Health Board and all
other possible measures for preventing the possible spread of the communicable
disease and complies with such measures and the following circumstances occur:
1) the person is given an order by a health care professional
or a police officer to leave their place of residence or permanent place of
stay;
2) the person leaves their place of residence or permanent
place of stay because a health care professional has referred them to receive
health services or in the event of an emergency that puts the person’s life or
health at risk;
3) the person performs urgent and inevitably necessary duties
by a decision of their employer and up to 72 hours before arrival in the
country or after arrival in the country the person has taken at least one test
for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease, the results of
which came back negative;
4) the person attends an urgent family occasion and up to
72 hours before arrival in the country or after arrival in the country the
person has taken at least one test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the
COVID-19 disease, the results of which came back negative;
5) the person is getting the everyday essentials near their
place of residence or place of stay because it is otherwise impossible;
6) the person is outdoors and completely avoids contact with
other persons;
7) the person has signed a statement of compliance with
instructions issued by the Health Board and applicable requirements, thereby
confirming their obligation to comply with the above requirements.
The provisions of sub-clause 3) of this clause do not apply to a person
referred to in clause 11.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force
15.01.2021]
31. [Repealed – RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 –
entry into force 15.01.2021]
4. The provisions of clauses 1 through 3 do not apply to
asymptomatic persons:
1) who are employees of a diplomatic mission or a consular post
of a foreign country or the Republic of Estonia or their family members or
holders of an Estonian diplomatic passport;
2) who arrive in the Republic of Estonia in the framework of
international military cooperation;
3) who are members of foreign delegations arriving in the
Republic of Estonia for the performance of duties on the invitation of a state
or local authority;
4) who are directly involved in transporting goods and raw
products, including loading of goods or raw products, and who arrive in Estonia
for the performance of duties;
5) who arrive in Estonia for the purpose of providing health
services or other services necessary for responding to an emergency;
6) who are directly involved in international carriage of
goods and passengers, including a crew member and a ship’s crew member
servicing an international means of transport and a person performing repairs
or warranty or maintenance work on such a means of transport, and who arrive in
Estonia for the performance of duties;
7) whose purpose for arriving in the Republic of Estonia is
directly related to the provision of passenger transport services and who are
servicing travel groups;
8) whose purpose for arriving in the Republic of Estonia is
related to ensuring the continuity of a vital service;
9) who are using the territory of the Republic of Estonia for
immediate transit;
10) who are nationals, residents or long-stay visa holders of
a Member State of the European Union or a Schengen Member State or an EEA
country or the Swiss Confederation or the Principality of Andorra or the
Principality of Monaco or the Republic of San Marino or the Vatican City State
(Holy See) or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or their
family members and who arrive in the Republic of Estonia from said countries
and who have been in one or several of said countries for the past 10 days
in succession, provided the cumulative number of positive tests for the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease per 100,000 inhabitants
in said countries for the past 14 days is equal to or less than 150. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes information on the morbidity rates by
country on its website;
11) who are persons referred to in sub-clause 10) or
persons who are residents of a third country, according to the laws of that
country, for which information has been released on the website of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (hereinafter European Union green list) and who
arrive in Estonia from said country, provided the cumulative number of positive
tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease per
100,000 inhabitants in said country for the past 14 days is equal to
or less than 16;
12) who arrive from a third country that is not on the
European Union green list for the purpose of work or studies in an educational
institution registered in Estonia, unless in the country from where they arrive
and under whose laws they are deemed to be its residents or are deemed to stay
there legally the cumulative number of positive tests for the coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease per 100,000 inhabitants for the
past 14 days is greater than 16 or unless the above information is not
available for that country and there is a high risk of the virus spreading in
that country. In that case the sponsor of such a person is required to ensure
in cooperation with that person that the latter can stay in their place of
residence or permanent place of stay for 10 calendar days after arrival in
Estonia and be tested for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 immediately after arrival
in Estonia and re-tested no earlier than on the sixth day after the first test.
A person who is an athlete, a coach or a team member from a third country
referred to in this sub-clause and who has an employment relationship with a
club playing in Estonian championship league or who is involved in an athlete’s
everyday training activities at the Estonian league level or who participates
in an international championship as an athlete or an athlete’s team member or
who is directly involved in carrying out aforesaid sports competition may
perform urgent and inevitably necessary duties by a decision of their employer
if after arrival in the country the person has taken at least one test for the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease, the results of which came
back negative.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force 15.01.2021]
41. [Repealed – RT III, 09.10.2020, 1 – entry into
force 12.10.2020]
42. The
provisions of clauses 1 through 3 are not applied to asymptomatic persons
who have been in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of
Latvia, the Republic of Finland or the Republic of Estonia for the past 10 days
in succession and who arrive in the Republic of Estonia from the Republic of
Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia or the Republic of Finland if the cumulative
number of positive tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19
disease per 100,000 inhabitants for the past 14 days in said
countries is greater than 150 and up to 72 hours before arrival in the
country they took a test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19
disease which came back negative or they took the test promptly after arrival
in Estonia and the results of that test came back negative. Until the test has
come back negative the person is required to remain in their place of residence
or permanent place of stay. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes information
on the morbidity rates in those countries on its website.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force
15.01.2021]
43. The
provisions of clauses 1 through 3 and clause 42 are
not applied to asymptomatic persons whose place of residence is in the
administrative territory of the local authorities of Valga in the Republic of
Estonia or Valka in the Republic of Latvia and who cross the state border
between the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Latvia on the condition
that they will not go beyond the borders of the administrative territory of the
local authorities of Valga and Valka, respectively.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force
15.01.2021]
44. [Repealed – RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry
into force 15.01.2021]
45. The
provisions of clauses 1 through 3 and clause 42 are
not applied to asymptomatic persons who have been in the territory of the
Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Finland or the
Republic of Estonia for the past 10 days in succession and who arrive in
the Republic of Estonia from the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia
or the Republic of Finland and if they arrive in the Republic of Estonia from
the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia or the Republic of Finland
for the purpose of working, studying or receiving health services or for family
reasons or transit.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force
15.01.2021]
5. [Repealed – RT III, 04.09.2020, 1 – entry into force 04.09.2020]
6. The
provisions of clauses 1 through 3 do not apply to asymptomatic persons who
participate in a public event referred to in clause 7 as an artist or who
are directly involved in carrying out the event or who participate in a sports
competition or a sports event as an athlete or an athlete’s team member or who
are directly involved in carrying out a sports competition or a sports event.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force
15.01.2021]
7. Public
events, sports competitions and sports and exercise events if the requirements
established for the participants differ from those set out in this Order are
allowed on the following conditions:
[RT III,
08.01.2021, 1 – entry into force
11.01.2021]
1) there is an overriding
public or national interest in the relevant event;
2) the local authority of
the location of the event has provided an opinion on the activity;
3) the Health Board has
provided an opinion on the suitability of the risk management plan drawn up by
the organiser of the event for preventing the spread of the coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease.
8. The
Health Board shall establish necessary restrictions on the freedom of movement
of the persons referred to in clause 6.
81. In
public indoor spaces, up to two persons may be and move around together while
keeping at least two metres of distance from others. This restriction does not
apply to families and in cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably
ensured and in cases provided for in sub-clause 1) of clause 91
and sub-clause 1) of clause 10. For the purposes of this Order,
public indoor space means a space that has been given to the disposal of
unspecified people or that is at the disposal of unspecified people or in which
unspecified people are allowed to be; among other things, public transport
vehicles are also public indoor space.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
82. In
public indoor spaces people are required to wear a protective mask or cover
their mouth and nose (hereinafter ‘mask’). Said requirement does
not apply to children under 12 years of age and in cases when wearing a
mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature of work or other
activities or for other significant reasons.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
9. Customers
may be and move around in indoor sales area of stores, in service providers’
service points and in public spaces of commercial establishments if the
following requirements are met:
1) up to two persons may be
and move around together while keeping at least two metres of distance from
others, except for families and in cases when said requirements cannot be
reasonably ensured;
2) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
3) up to 50% of occupancy is
ensured in sales area of stores, in service providers’ service points and in
public spaces of commercial establishments;
4) at least at the entrance
to and exit from the sales area and service point the possessor thereof has
ensured the availability of disinfectants to employees and customers;
5) compliance with the
disinfection requirements according to instructions from the Health Board is
ensured.
[RT III, 03.12.2020, 1 –
entry into force 05.12.2020]
91. Customers
may be and move around in catering establishments’ sales and seating areas if
the following requirements are met:
1) up to 10 persons may
be and move around together while keeping at least two metres of distance from
others, except in cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured.
The requirement for being and moving around in groups of up to 10 persons
does not apply to families;
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
11) a mask is
worn indoors. Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years
of age and in cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due
to the nature of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the service provider
ensures that from 22:00 to 06:00 the only persons in the catering
establishment’s sales or seating area are persons who want takeaway or who
provide delivery or transport services, the proprietor or their representative,
employees, persons involved in emergency work or persons necessary for economic
servicing of the establishment;
[RT III, 03.12.2020, 1 –
entry into force 05.12.2020]
3) the service provider
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
4) the service provider
ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to instructions
from the Health Board. The restriction referred to in sub-clause 2) does
not apply on board of aircraft used for international carriage of passengers or
to places of business located inside the security restricted area of an
international airport and places of business located beyond the boarding gates
in the waiting area of a passenger terminal of an international port. The
restriction on business hours referred to in sub-clause 2) does not apply
to petrol stations if the service provider ensures that its customers will not
consume any food or beverages on the premises.
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
10. Customers
may be and move around in places where leisure services are provided if the
following requirements are met:
1) up to 10 persons may
be and move around together while keeping at least two metres of distance from
others, except in cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured.
The requirement for being and moving around in groups of up to 10 persons
does not apply to families;
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
11) a mask is
worn indoors. Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years
of age and in cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due
to the nature of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the service provider
ensures up to 50% of occupancy at the place of provision of service and the
number of customers up to 250 people;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
3) the service provider ensures
that from 22:00 to 06:00 the only persons in the in the place of provision of
leisure services are the proprietor or their representative, employees, persons
involved in emergency work or persons necessary for economic servicing of the
establishment;
[RT III, 03.12.2020, 1 –
entry into force 05.12.2020]
4) the service provider
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
5) the service provider
ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to instructions
from the Health Board.
[RT III, 12.11.2020, 5 –
entry into force 16.11.2020]
Said requirements also apply during the provision of leisure
services. The requirements referred to in sub-clause 1) and the limit on
the number of customers set out in sub-clause 2) do not apply to
children’s playrooms.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
11. People may attend indoor public meetings, public events,
including conferences, theatre performances, concerts and film screenings where
a specific seat is ensured for persons in the designated area on the condition
that:
[RT III, 23.12.2020, 1 – entry into force 24.12.2020]
1) the number of attendees
up to 400 people is ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 28.11.2020]
2) the organiser of an
indoor event ensures up to 50% attendance capacity in Harju County and Ida-Viru
County;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 28.11.2020]
3) outside the seating area,
up to two persons may be and move around together while keeping at least two
metres of distance from others, except for families and in cases when said
requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
4) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
5) the organiser of an event
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
6) the organiser of an event
ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to instructions
from the Health Board.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
12. Passengers
are subject to a total restriction on the freedom of movement concerning going
on a ferry sailing on the route Tallinn–Stockholm–Tallinn for the purpose of a
pleasure trip.
13. Public
meetings are allowed only if the following requirements are met:
1) up to two persons may be
and move around together indoors while keeping at least two metres of distance
from others, except for families and in cases when said requirements cannot be
reasonably ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the organiser of an
indoor meeting ensures up to 50% attendance capacity and the number of
attendees up to 250 people;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
3) the organiser of an
outdoor meeting ensures the number of attendees up to 500 people;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
4) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
5) the organiser of a
meeting ensures the availability of disinfectants;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
6) the organiser of a
meeting ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to
instructions from the Health Board.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
14. Public
saunas, spas, swimming pools and water parks may only be used if the following
requirements are met:
1) up to two persons may be
and move around together indoors while keeping at least two metres of distance
from others, except for families and in cases when said requirements cannot be
reasonably ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the service provider
ensures up to 50% of occupancy in the place of provision of service;
3) the service provider
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
4) the service provider
ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to instructions
from the Health Board.
Engaging in sports or training in said places is subject to the
requirements provided for in clauses 17 and 18.
15. Public
events are allowed only if the following requirements are met:
1) up to two persons may be
and move around together indoors while keeping at least two metres of distance
from others, except for families and in cases when said requirements cannot be
reasonably ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the organiser of an
indoor event ensures up to 50% of occupancy and the number of attendees up to
250 people;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
3) the organiser of an
outdoor event ensures the number of attendees up to 500 people;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
4) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
41) the organiser
of an event ensures that attendees are not at the venue from 22:00 to 06:00;
[RT III, 03.12.2020, 1 –
entry into force 05.12.2020]
5) the organiser of an event
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
6) the organiser of an event
ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to instructions
from the Health Board.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
16. Public religious services and other public religious rites
are allowed only if the following requirements are met:
1) indoors where specific seats have not been
designated, up to two persons may be and move around together while keeping at
least two metres of distance from others, except for families and in cases when
said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
2) indoors where specific seats have been designated, up
to two persons may be and move around together outside the area of designated
seats while keeping at least two metres of distance from others, except for
families and in cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
3) up to 50% of occupancy is ensured indoors and the
number of attendees up to 250 people where specific seats have not been
designated and up to 400 people where specific seats have been designated;
4) the organiser of an outdoor event ensures the number
of attendees up to 500 people;
5) a mask is worn indoors. Said requirement does not
apply to children under 12 years of age and in cases when wearing a mask
is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature of work or other
activities or for other significant reasons;
6) the availability of disinfectants is ensured;
7) compliance with the disinfection requirements according
to instructions from the Health Board is ensured.
[RT III, 23.12.2020, 1 – entry into force 24.12.2020]
17. Engaging
in sports, training, youth work, hobby activities, hobby education and
refresher training outdoors are only allowed if the following requirements are
met:
1) it is ensured that there
are up to 25 people in a group, including the instructor, and that there
is no contact with other groups, except for families and in cases when said
requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
2) the availability of
disinfectants is ensured;
3) compliance with the
disinfection requirements according to instructions from the Health Board is
ensured.
The requirements referred to in sub-clause 1) do not apply
to activities carried out under national curriculum, professional sports
activities within the competitions system of a sports federation, including
members of and candidates for Estonian adult and youth teams and team sport players
in championship leagues, activities related to the military defence or internal
security of the state, or activities of disabled persons, including provision
of social or occupational rehabilitation services.
[RT III,
08.01.2021, 1 – entry into force
11.01.2021]
18. Engaging
in sports, training, youth work, hobby activities, hobby education and
refresher training indoors are only allowed if the following requirements are
met:
1) it is ensured that there
are up to 11 people in a group, including the instructor, and that there
is no contact with other groups, except for families and in cases when said
requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
2) up to 50% of occupancy is
ensured;
3) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
4) the availability of
disinfectants is ensured;
5) compliance with the
disinfection requirements according to instructions from the Health Board is
ensured.
The requirements referred to in sub-clauses 1) and 2) do
not apply to activities carried out under national curriculum, professional
sports activities within the competitions system of a sports federation,
including members of and candidates for Estonian adult and youth teams and team
sport players in championship leagues, activities related to the military
defence or internal security of the state, or activities of disabled persons,
including provision of social or occupational rehabilitation services.
[RT III,
08.01.2021, 1 – entry into force
11.01.2021]
19. Sports
competitions and sports and exercise events are allowed only if the following
requirements are met:
1) only championship league teams
participating in the competitions system of sports federations, professional
athletes, and members of and candidates for Estonian adult and youth teams may
take part in indoor sports competitions and sports and exercise events;
2) it is allowed to participate
in outdoor sports competitions and sports and exercise events if it is ensured
that there are up to 25 participants in a group, including the instructor,
and that there is no contact with other groups, except for families and in
cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
3) no spectators are
allowed;
4) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of activities or for other significant reasons;
5) the organiser of an event
ensures that attendees are not at the venue from 22:00 to 06:00;
6) the organiser of a
competition ensures the availability of disinfectants;
7) the organiser of a
competition ensures compliance with the disinfection requirements according to
instructions from the Health Board.
The requirements referred to in sub-clauses 1), 2) and 5)
do not apply to activities carried out under national curriculum, activities
related to the military defence or internal security of the state, or
activities of disabled persons, including provision of social or occupational
rehabilitation services. The requirements referred to in sub-clauses 2)
and 5) do not apply to professional sports activities within the competitions
system of a sports federation, including members of and candidates for Estonian
adult and youth teams and team sport players in championship leagues.
[RT III,
08.01.2021, 1 – entry into force
11.01.2021]
20. Visiting
museums and exhibitions is only allowed if the following requirements are met:
1) up to two persons may be
and move around together while keeping at least two metres of distance from
others, except for families and in cases when said requirements cannot be
reasonably ensured;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
11) a mask is
worn indoors. Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years
of age and in cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due
to the nature of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
2) the service provider
ensures the availability of disinfectants;
3) in rooms open for the
public, the service provider ensures wet cleaning of surfaces subject to
frequent touching after every 2 to 4 hours;
4) interactive displays are
closed or the service provider ensures their wet cleaning after each use or the
service provider has made disposable gloves available to the visitors and
ensures the safe handling thereof after use;
5) if possible, the service
provider replaces physical information materials handed out free of charge with
digital ones;
6) no creative work or
workshops with shared means of work are organised or disinfection is ensured
after each user.
201. In
general and special care homes (hereinafter ‘social welfare
institution’) the following requirements must be met:
1) employees and visitors of
social welfare institutions shall wear a mask as personal protective equipment
inside and on the territory of the relevant institution;
2) a mask need not be worn
by a person for whom it is contraindicated for medical reasons, and upon the performance
of duties if any and all contact with the employees, customers and other
visitors of the relevant social welfare institution is avoided, or in other
justified cases;
3) when wearing and using
masks the maximum duration of use specified by the manufacturer and
instructions from the Health Board and the Consumer Protection and Technical
Regulatory Authority shall be complied with.
[RT III, 14.09.2020, 1 –
entry into force 14.09.2020]
202. Indoor
hobby activities and hobby education in Harju County and indoor refresher
training in Harju County and Ida-Viru County are only allowed if the following
requirements are met:
[RT III, 04.12.2020, 3 – entry into force
05.12.2020]
1) it is ensured that there
are up to 10 people in a group and that there is no contact with other
groups;
2) a mask is worn indoors.
Said requirement does not apply to children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of work or other activities or for other significant reasons;
3) shared objects are
disinfected after each use;
4) the service provider
ensures the availability of disinfectants and compliance with the disinfection
requirements according to instructions from the Health Board.
The requirements set out in this clause do not apply to
activities related to the military defence or internal security of the state.
[RT III, 23.11.2020, 1 –
entry into force 24.11.2020]
203. In
Ida-Viru County, indoor hobby activities, hobby education, engaging in sports
and training as well as indoor sports and exercise events are only allowed if
the following requirements are met:
1) individual learning or individual activities are ensured;
2) up to two persons may be and move around together while
keeping at least two metres of distance from others, except for families and in
cases when said requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
3) a mask is worn indoors. Said requirement does not apply to
children under 12 years of age and in cases when wearing a mask is not
possible for health reasons, due to the nature of work or other activities or
for other significant reasons;
4) shared objects are disinfected after each use;
5) the service provider ensures the availability of
disinfectants and compliance with the disinfection requirements according to
instructions from the Health Board;
6) the organiser of a sports competition ensures that the
competition is organised subject to the requirements referred to in
clause 19.
The requirements in this clause do not apply to sports activities carried out
under preschool, basic and secondary education curricula, activities related to
the military defence or internal security of the state, professional and
semiprofessional sports activities within the competitions system of a sports
federation, including in youth sport to those athletes and teams that
participate in Estonian championships organised by a sports federation, or
activities of disabled persons.
[RT III, 04.12.2020, 3 – entry into force
05.12.2020]
204. [Repealed – RT III, 08.01.2021,
1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
205. [Repealed – RT III, 08.01.2021,
1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
206. [Repealed – RT III, 08.01.2021,
1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
207. [Repealed – RT III, 08.01.2021,
1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
208. From 11 January 2021 up to and including 17 January
2021 a restriction on the freedom of movement in educational institutions in
Harju County and Ida-Viru County is imposed as follows:
1) students may not be or move around in study buildings of
general education schools, vocational educational institutions, institutions of
professional higher education and universities, which are only deemed to be
rooms used for learning purposes;
2) sub-clause 1) does not apply to students of general
education schools in grades 1 through 4, 9 and 12;
3) sub-clause 1) does not apply when students require
educational support services or, according to their teacher, consultations for
achieving learning outcomes or when they engage in practical studies or take
exams or tests or compete in Olympiads;
4) in the events referred to in sub-clauses 2) and 3),
people are scattered in classrooms considering the nature of activities and
outside classrooms up to two persons may be and move around together while
keeping at least two metres of distance from others, except in cases when said
requirements cannot be reasonably ensured;
5) a mask is worn indoors. Said requirement does not apply to
children under 12 years of age and in cases when wearing a mask is not
possible for health reasons, due to the nature of activities or for other
significant reasons;
6) the availability of disinfectants and compliance with the
disinfection requirements according to instructions from the Health Board are
ensured.
The requirements referred to in this clause do not apply to schools where most
students receive enhanced support or special support, pre-school child care
institutions or activities of disabled persons.
[RT III, 29.12.2020, 1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
209. From 28 December 2020 up to and including
17 January 2021 the restrictions on the freedom of movement provided for
in clauses 81 through 208 are applied in Harju
County and Ida-Viru County with the specifications provided for in this clause:
1) persons may not be or move around in indoor places of
provision of leisure services, museums or exhibition facilities. Outdoors it
shall be ensured that the number of customers in a group is up to
10 people and that there is no contact with other groups. This restriction
does not apply to the proprietor of a place of provision of service or their
representative, employees, persons involved in emergency work or persons
necessary for economic servicing of the place;
2) people may be at a place of provision of
accommodation services only for the purpose of staying there overnight. This
restriction does not apply to the proprietor of a place of provision of service
or their representative or employees or persons working in the same building,
persons involved in emergency work or persons necessary for economic servicing
of the place;
3) persons may not be or move around in indoor public
sports clubs or other sports facilities, saunas, spas, swimming pools or water
parks. This restriction does not apply to the proprietor of a place of
provision of service or their representative, employees, persons involved in
emergency work or persons necessary for economic servicing of the place,
professional sports activities within the competitions system of a sports
federation, including members of and candidates for Estonian adult and youth
teams and team sport players in championship leagues, activities related to the
military defence or internal security of the state, or activities of disabled
persons, including provision of social or occupational rehabilitation services;
4) persons may not be or move around in catering
establishment’s sales or seating area, except for the purpose of takeaway or
provision of delivery or transport services. This restriction does not apply to
the proprietor of a place of provision of service or their representative,
employees, persons involved in emergency work or persons necessary for economic
servicing of the place. This restriction does also not apply on board of
aircraft used for international carriage of passengers or to places of business
located inside the security restricted area of an international airport and
places of business located beyond the boarding gates in the waiting area of a
passenger terminal of an international port;
5) indoor public meetings, public events, including
conferences, theatre performances, concerts and film screenings, with or
without specific seats, are not allowed;
6) public events and public meetings outdoors are
allowed if it is ensured that there are up to 10 people in a group and
that there is no contact with other groups;
7) public religious services and other public religious
rites may take place on the conditions referred to in clause 16;
8) indoor youth work, hobby activities, hobby education
and refresher training are not allowed. Outdoor youth work, hobby activities,
hobby education and refresher training are allowed if it is ensured that there
are up to 10 people in a group and that there is no contact with other
groups. This restriction does not apply to activities related to the military
defence or internal security of the state, or activities of disabled persons;
9) engaging in sports and training in public indoor
spaces are not allowed. Engaging in sports and training outdoors are allowed if
it is ensured that there are up to 10 people in a group and that there is
no contact with other groups. This restriction does not apply to professional sports
activities within the competitions system of a sports federation, including
members of and candidates for Estonian adult and youth teams and team sport
players in championship leagues, activities related to the military defence or
internal security of the state, or activities of disabled persons, including
provision of social or occupational rehabilitation services;
[RT III, 23.12.2020, 1 – entry into force 28.12.2020]
10) sports competitions and sports and exercise events
are not allowed, except for sports competitions where the contestants are
championship league teams in the competitions system of sports federations,
professional athletes, or members of and candidates for Estonian adult and
youth teams. No spectators are allowed to said sports competitions and up to
two persons may be and move around together while keeping at least two metres
of distance from others. This restriction does not apply in cases when said
requirements cannot be reasonably ensured. A mask is worn in indoor premises of
a sports competition, except for children under 12 years of age and in
cases when wearing a mask is not possible for health reasons, due to the nature
of activities or for other significant reasons. The organiser of a sports
competition shall ensure up to 50% of occupancy of indoor premises and up to
250 participants, outdoors up to 500 participants, the availability
of disinfectants and compliance with the disinfection requirements according to
instructions from the Health Board.
[RT III, 08.01.2021, 1 – entry into force 11.01.2021]
2010. [Repealed
– RT III, 29.12.2020, 1 – entry into force 30.12.2020]
2011. Persons
arriving in Estonia from 15 January up to and including 17 January
2021 will not be subject to sub-clause 1) of clause 2 of this Order,
except for persons arriving from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
[RT III, 13.01.2021, 5 – entry into force 15.01.2021]
21. Under
§ 44 (1) of the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act,
supervision over the requirements imposed by this Order is exercised by the
Health Board. The Health Board may involve the Police and Border Guard Board in
the supervision, adhering to the requirements and procedure for professional
assistance provided for in the Administrative Co-operation Act.
22. The
restrictions and measures established by this Order shall apply until the date
specified in this Order or until this Order is changed or repealed and the need
for these restrictions and measures shall be assessed no later than after every
two weeks.
23. This
Order takes effect on 19 August 2020. Clause 2 and sub-clause 3)
of clause 3 take effect on 1 September 2020.
24. [Omitted
from this text.]
25. This
Order shall be published on the website of the Government of the Republic and
in the official gazette Riigi Teataja.
This Order is issued considering the fact that under
§ 2 2) of the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act the
COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 corresponds to the signs
of a dangerous novel communicable disease because there is no effective
treatment and the spread of the disease may exceed the hospital treatment
capacity, and the requirements, measures and restrictions established by this
Order clearly have a significant social and economic effect. The risk of the
virus spreading is currently very high and therefore, in order to minimise the
risk, it is proportional to restrict people’s freedom of movement in the places
referred to in the Order for the protection of the life and health of people
and overriding public interest in order to prevent the spread of the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease.
For the protection of the life and health of people and
overriding public interest, including for the protection of the continuity of
the state, this Order establishes requirements, measures and restrictions that
are inevitably necessary for preventing the spread of the virus. The reasons
and considerations are set out in the explanatory memorandum to the Order,
which will be published on the website of the Government of the Republic.
Failure to duly comply with measures for preventing the spread
of the virus will prompt the application of the administrative coercive
measures set out in § 28 (2) or (3) of the Law Enforcement Act. The
maximum amount of penalty payment is 9600 euros. This penalty payment,
which serves the purpose of enforcing the requirements, measures and
restrictions imposed by this Order and preventing the spread of the virus, may
be imposed repeatedly.
This Order can be appealed against by filing a challenge with
the Government of the Republic pursuant to the procedure provided by the
Administrative Procedure Act within 30 days as of the day the relevant
person became or should have become aware of the Order. This Order can also be
appealed against by filing an action with the administrative court pursuant to
the procedure provided for in the Code of Administrative Court Procedure within
30 days as of the day of announcement of this Order.
Reasons for the amendments
made by the Government of the Republic Order No. 7 of 13 January 2021
For the protection of the life and health of people and overriding
public interest, including for the protection of the continuity of the state,
this Order imposes indispensable measures and restrictions for preventing the
spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease.
§ 28 (1) of the
Constitution of the Republic of Estonia (hereinafter the Constitution)
provides for everyone’s right to protection of his or her health. In this case
the fundamental right protects different values. Firstly, people’s right to
protection of their health by having the state do everything in its power to
stop the spread of the virus. Also, general public interest in avoiding
increased spread of the virus and mass infections as well as overload of the
health care system. In a situation where contact with other people poses a
great risk of the virus spreading the state has an obligation to minimise the
risk of infection, which also means that, for the purpose of achieving this
objective, contact between people may be restricted in an appropriate manner.
It must also be considered that the number of infected people and the number of
deaths are still on the rise in the world, including Estonia. The increasing
number of infected people who need to be hospitalised may put the continuity of
the already restructured health care system in risk in a very short period of time.
The Constitution provides for rights and freedoms that the state
is also required to ensure. The state may circumscribe the rights and freedoms
set out in the Constitution considering the nature of the right or freedom in
question and the conditions arising from the Constitution itself. For instance,
under § 34 of the Constitution everyone whose presence in Estonian
territory is lawful has the right to move freely in that territory and to
choose freely where to reside. The right to move freely may be circumscribed in
cases and pursuant to the procedure provided by law for the purpose of
protecting the rights and freedoms of others and preventing the spread of a
communicable disease, among others. It is justified to apply certain restrictions
for preventing the spread of the virus causing the COVID-19 disease. Setting
restrictions on rights and freedoms requires a fair balance between the
objective sought by the restriction and the scope and effect of the
restriction. Proportional restrictions necessary for stopping the virus are
justified by the above compelling objectives.
Under § 28 (2), (5) and
(6) of the Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Act (hereinafter
the Act) and considering § 28 (8) thereof, the Government
of the Republic may take measures for preventing communicable diseases when the
application of measures and restrictions for the prevention of an epidemic
spread of communicable diseases has a significant effect on society or economy.
The following preconditions must be met: it is an extremely dangerous
communicable disease or a dangerous novel communicable disease; the Health
Board has given the Government of the Republic information and a recommendation
on a measure (obligation or restriction) on the basis of epidemiological,
laboratory and clinical information; the measure is absolutely necessary for
preventing the spread of the virus or in other words the requirement must be
proportional and rational; the measure is temporary or in other words limited
in time and it brings about a significant social or economic effect.
The restrictions imposed by this Order are necessary because the
spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has remained wide in Estonia.
Consequently, the imposition of the requirements is an efficient and proportional
measure for the protection of public health. The reasons for the measures and
restrictions are set out in the Order and the explanatory memorandum to the
Order.
Establishment of the restrictions is based on the fact that the
COVID-19 disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is an infectious disease
that spreads from one person to another by way of droplet infection, primarily
upon close contact with an infectious person showing typical symptoms. This
means that a person can contract the virus when in close contact with an
infected person or through contaminated surfaces or hands.
The virus spreads faster in poorly ventilated indoor spaces and
people in risk groups (including older people) are in greater risk of the
disease becoming serious or of complications or of needing hospital treatment.
On 12 January 2021 the Estonian morbidity rate for the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease per 100,000 inhabitants for
the last 14 days was 590.68. 3823 tests were analysed in the last
24 hours and 335 of them, i.e. 8.76% came back positive. A total of
684,214 laboratory tests have been confirmed and 34,138 of them, i.e. 5.0%
have been positive. As of 12 January 2021, 409 persons are
hospitalised and 26 patients are on mechanical ventilation according to
information from hospitals. Five deaths occurred in the last 24 hours. A
total of 292 persons infected with the coronavirus have died in Estonia.
Various restrictions on the freedom of movement for preventing and
stopping the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease
have been established by the Government of the Republic Order No. 282
“Measures and restrictions necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19” of
19 August 2020. The restrictions were imposed with the consideration that
the implementation thereof would allow people to carry on with their normal
lives as much as possible. Restrictions on the freedom of movement have been
imposed, among others, on persons arriving in Estonia from abroad.
On 23 December 2020 additional restrictions were imposed on
persons arriving in Estonia from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland since one of many mutations of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
(B.1.1.7.) which is different because the genome has a relatively large number
of mutations (23) has spread there. Said mutation is mostly spreading in South
East England where an increase in morbidity has been noted. Since there is a
lot of still unconfirmed and unclear information about the new strain of the
virus, including the rate at which it spreads and the seriousness of the
disease it causes, stricter restrictions on people arriving from the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland were imposed on 23 December
2020 as a preventive measure for avoiding a rapid increase in morbidity, and
according to those restrictions persons arriving from the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland are required to stay in their place of
residence or permanent place of stay for 14 calendar days after having
arrived in Estonia. Moreover, those arriving in Estonia from the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland were subjected to the obligation to take
a test for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease
72 hours before arrival. Children under 10 years of age are released
from being tested.
This Order reduces the 14-calendar-day obligation to stay in one’s
place of residence or permanent place of stay imposed on persons arriving from
the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to 10 calendar
days because it has not been proven that the mutation of the coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2 spreading in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland has other characteristics, besides being more highly contagious, that
are distinct from other SARS-CoV-2 mutations, among other things it has not
been established that the onset of symptoms, being infected and the contagious
period are longer. Another change is made to release children under
12 years of age from the obligation to be tested for the coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2.
According to the current regulation, persons arriving in Estonia
from abroad are released from the mandatory 10-day self-isolation following the
crossing of the state border if they arrive from a country where the cumulative
number of positive tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19
disease per 100,000 inhabitants for the past 14 days is less than 16.
Persons arriving from the European Union, the European Economic Area or a
Schengen Member State or the Swiss Confederation, the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, the Principality of Andorra, the Principality of
Monaco, the Republic of San Marino or the Vatican City State (Holy See) are
released from self-isolation after arrival in Estonia if the cumulative number
of positive tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease
per 100,000 inhabitants in the relevant country for the past 14 days
is less than 25. The self-isolation requirement is also not applied to persons
arriving from said countries if the cumulative number of positive tests for the
coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the COVID-19 disease per
100,000 inhabitants in the relevant country for the past 14 days is
greater than 25 but less than or equal to or up to 10% greater than the
corresponding figure for the Republic of Estonia for the same period of time
but no greater than 50.
Since the morbidity rates in European countries, including
Estonia, have grown significantly higher in recent months, the current
regulation does not reflect the actual situation and exceptions to the
application of self-isolation cannot be put into practice. Consequently,
amendments provide that persons arriving from the European Union, the European
Economic Area or a Schengen Member State or the Swiss Confederation, the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Principality of Andorra, the
Principality of Monaco, the Republic of San Marino or the Vatican City State
(Holy See) are released from self-isolation after arrival in Estonia if the
cumulative number of positive tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing the
COVID-19 disease per 100,000 inhabitants in the relevant country for the
past 14 days is greater than 150. Changing of this limit is supported by
both the Science Council advising the Government of the Republic and the Health
Board. The Order does not change the corresponding limits set for third
countries.
According to the current regulation, persons arriving in Estonia
from a country where the morbidity rate is higher than referred to above (16 or
50) can reduce the mandatory self-isolation following arrival in Estonia if
upon arrival in Estonia they take two tests for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and
they both come back negative. The first test must be taken promptly after
arrival in Estonia and the second one no earlier than on the seventh day after
arrival in Estonia.
Amendments set out that the self-isolation requirement does not
apply if a person is tested for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 up to 72 hours
before arrival in Estonia (this means that a test taken, for example,
7 days before arrival in Estonia does not count but a test taken, for
example, 48 hours before arrival in Estonia does) and the results are
negative and the person takes a second test no earlier than on the sixth day
following the first test and the second test also comes back negative (this
means that the 6-day period is calculated from the day following the day of the
first test (the day of testing is day 0) which means that if a person is
tested, for example, on Monday that person can be re-tested on Sunday and if
the last test comes back negative their isolation can end). If a person has
failed to be tested up to 72 hours before arrival in Estonia they can take
their first test following arrival in Estonia, after which they can also reduce
their period of self-isolation. In the latter case the second test shall be
taken no earlier than six days after the first test. Both tests must come back
negative. If the person opts for being first tested after arrival in Estonia,
the period of their self-isolation is calculated from the moment of testing and
self-isolation will last for six days as of that moment.
According to the Science Council advising the Government of the
Republic, testing can slow down the import of new strains in the country and
thereby control possible outbreaks and isolate the infected people, including
people infected with new strains, as early as possible. Tests taken before
arrival in the country also reduce the testing system load of Estonia and
provide a chance to significantly reduce the period of self-isolation following
arrival in Estonia. Only PCR tests for determining RNA count. The period of
self-isolation is also reduced by the new requirement that the second test must
be taken no earlier than on the sixth day after the first test.
For the sake of clarity the time when a test must be taken before
arrival in Estonia is aligned for movement between the Republic of Estonia, the
Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Finland and
the current requirement to be tested for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 no earlier
than 48 hours before arrival in Estonia is substituted with a requirement
to be tested up to 72 hours before arrival in Estonia. For the sake of
legal clarity, this Order introduces specifications of a technical nature.
Under § 44 (1) of the Communicable Diseases Prevention
and Control Act, supervision over the requirements imposed by this Order is
exercised by the Health Board. Failure to duly comply with measures for
preventing the spread of the virus will prompt the application of the
administrative coercive measures set out in § 28 (2) or (3) of the
Law Enforcement Act. The maximum amount of penalty payment is 9600 euros.
This penalty payment, which serves the purpose of enforcing the requirements,
measures and restrictions imposed by this Order and preventing the spread of
the virus, may be imposed repeatedly.
This Order can be appealed against by filing a challenge with the
Government of the Republic pursuant to the procedure provided by the
Administrative Procedure Act within 30 days as of the day the relevant
person became or should have become aware of the Order. This Order can also be
appealed against by filing an action with the administrative court pursuant to
the procedure provided for in the Code of Administrative Court Procedure within
30 days as of the day of announcement of this Order.
The explanatory memorandum to the
Order is available on the website kriis.ee.
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