Estonia: Authorities tighten certain coronavirus-related restrictions effective Dec. 28; flights with UK suspended through at least Jan. 1 /update 13

Event

Authorities in Estonia have tightened restrictions in certain jurisdictions due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. From Dec. 28 through at least Jan. 17, stricter measures will be in place in Ida-Viru and Harju counties; Harju County includes the nation's capital Tallinn. Under the new directives, all catering, entertainment, and cultural facilities must close, though restaurants may remain open for carryout services. All indoor public meetings and events are suspended; however, public events of up to 10 people are allowed outdoors. Outdoor public events must end by 2200. Indoor education sessions, including on-the-job training, as well as sports events are prohibited.

At the national level, a number of restrictions remain in force across Estonia, including:

Facemasks are mandatory in indoor and outdoor public spaces for everyone over 12 years of age.
Organized indoor gatherings of up to 400 people are permitted for venues with seating and up to 250 for venues without seating; organized outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people are permitted.
Informal public gatherings are limited to two people in most settings, except in certain types of establishments where gatherings of 10 are permitted.
Catering establishments and entertainment venues must close between 2200-0600, though carryout services are permitted during this period.
Most event venues are limited to operating at 50 percent capacity.
Most educational facilities are closed until at least Jan. 10.

With regard to international travel, authorities have suspended direct flights between UK and Estonia until at least Jan. 1; the measure went into effect Dec. 21 following the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19 primarily in southeastern England, including London. Moreover, effective Dec. 28, the mandatory self-isolation period for travelers arriving from UK has been extended to 14 days from its original 10 days.

Estonia permits travel from countries in the European Union, the Schengen area, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City; travelers from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand may also enter Estonia. As of Dec. 28, officials designate most of these countries as "high-risk" based on their infection rates, with the exception of Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. Travelers arriving from countries designated as high-risk must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Travelers from Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania are allowed entry if they have tested negative for COVID-19 no more than 48 hours before arrival.

Authorities in Estonia have made COVID-19 testing available for arrivals from high-risk countries to reduce mandatory self-isolation periods. Testing facilities are available at Tallinn Airport (TLL) and Tallinn's sea port; arrivals via land can arrange an appointment at any testing site within 1-2 days of arrival. Arrivals from high-risk areas must remain in self-isolation until the results of the test are known. If a negative result is returned, individuals must stay in limited self-isolation until taking a second test but no less than seven days after the first test. If the second test is negative, the individual may engage in essential duties. Authorities regularly update the official list of high-risk locations.

Most travel from all other countries remains prohibited, except for Estonian citizens and their immediate family members, as well as persons traveling for urgent business or academic reasons, and those who possess official permission.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.