Estonia: COVID-19 measures tightened nationwide as of Dec. 14 /update 12

Event

Authorities in Estonia have tightened domestic restrictions introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Dec. 14. From this date, most educational facilities are closed until at least Dec. 31 and most sports events are canceled nationwide. Authorities have further tightened restrictions in Ida-Viru County until at least Jan. 3; gatherings are prohibited and all catering, entertainment, and cultural facilities must close, though restaurants may remain open for takeaway services. Other restrictions remaining in effect nationwide include:

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; organized outdoor gatherings of up to 500 people are permitted.
Informal public gatherings are limited to two people in most settings, except in certain entertainment and catering establishments where gatherings of 10 are permitted.
Catering establishments and entertainment venues must close between 2200-0600, though take-away services are permitted during this period.
Most venues are limited to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Authorities in Estonia permit travel from countries in the European Union, the Schengen area, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, as well as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay, to enter Estonia. As of Dec. 14, officials designate most of these countries as "high-risk" based on their infection rates, except for 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 will be 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 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 the person takes a second test, no less than seven days after the first test. If a negative result is confirmed, individuals are no longer required to self-isolate. 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 families and 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.