Estonia: Authorities extend COVID-19-related nationwide domestic restrictions until Feb. 1 /update 15

Event

Authorities in Estonia have extended domestic measures introduced to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Feb. 1 amid high rates of infection in the country. At the national level, the following restrictions remain in effect:

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.

Tougher domestic restrictions are in place in Ida-Viru and Harju counties, though some measures are eased as of Jan. 18; Harju County includes the nation's capital Tallinn. Catering establishments may open for indoor service between 0600-1900, though capacity is limited to 25 percent. Museums and similar exhibitions may reopen. Most entertainment, sports, and leisure venues remain closed. Public events of up to 10 people are permitted outdoors.

International Entry Restrictions
Estonia permits travel from European Union and Schengen Area countries, the UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Travel is prohibited from all other countries except for work, study, and limited other essential purposes. As of Jan. 15, health authorities designate all countries as "high-risk" apart from Finland, Greece, Iceland, Vatican City, Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, and Singapore. Travelers from high-risk countries must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. This can be shortened if the traveler presents proof of a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken within the previous 72 hours or submits to a test on arrival; a second test taken no less than six days after the first will allow the individuals to end their self-isolation.

Tighter restrictions are in place for travelers from the UK due to a new variant of COVID-19 active in that country. Travelers from the UK are required to present proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 taken within the 72 hours prior to travel and must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival; the self-isolation period cannot be shortened.

Travelers from Latvia and Lithuania do not need to self-isolate if they are traveling for work or study reasons, or if they can produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival. Alternatively, such travelers can take a test on arrival and must self-isolate a negative result is confirmed.

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.