PM: Estonia to remain on lockdown for entire summer if spread of virus not stopped

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. Photo: Tairo Lutter

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (Reform) wrote on social media that Estonia’s coronavirus figures are very poor as the infection rate has grown by 7 percent compared to last week and over 10 percent in the 55-85 age group.

“These numbers may be cold but they do not lie,” Kallas wrote. “There is no county where the reproduction number (R) is less than 1, while the infection rate has started growing in many. The coronavirus sees 75-80 people hospitalized and around 10 die every day. These people are not just statistics, they are our family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues,” the PM continued.

Kallas said it is high time Estonians got their act together. “The more optimistic forecast that followed extensive measures according to which the daily case rate would fall below 500 by mid-April is slipping away. If the spread of the virus is not stopped, Estonia will remain on lockdown for the entire summer – just as Latvia has been locked away since November,” Kallas wrote.

“The economy, social contacts, everything has come to a standstill,” she added. The PM emphasized that while the government can continue to lay down restrictions indefinitely, sticking to the rules is up to people. “The government can continue to lay down restrictions, while the virus jumps from person to person.”

Kallas asks people to wash their hands, maintain social distance, not to invite guests over and cancel parties and gatherings. “If you see a fellow Estonian ignore these restrictions, please urge them to be responsible or turn to the authorities if necessary. It is a common effort we need to make so that life in Estonia could move on,” Kallas pointed out.

“Why do I emphasize the need to comply with restrictions? Because as statistics suggests, police reports describe and [virology professor] Irja Lutsar says looking at the streets, compliance has not become a priority for many Estonians still.

Kallas urged people to think whether they make sufficient efforts not be infected and unknowingly infect others. “Also, to think about what more could be done to make sure.”

The PM also urged heads of parties and all political leaders to stop wasting energy on political struggle and concentrate on the only thing Estonia needs today – combating the coronavirus. “Address your supporters and urge responsible behavior. Politicians who can reach the Russian-speaking community have the greatest role to play here,” Kallas said.

“This is a time of unity, a time to display statesmanlike qualities. Because: “Estonia, we have a problem,” Kallas said in closing.