New coronavirus measures enter into force

North Estonia Medical Center (PERH) coronavirus ward. Photo: Madis Veltman

The Estonian government has imposed stricter coronavirus related restrictions from Monday, according to which a negative coronavirus test is no longer sufficient to enter various public venues.

Under the order adopted by the government last week, participation in controlled activities is permitted only for vaccinated adults and adults who have recovered from COVID-19. Unvaccinated people's access to controlled events and activities is limited as of Monday due to a high infection rate among them.

People who have not been vaccinated and have not recovered from COVID-19 are no longer allowed to take part in sports competitions or in sports and exercise events, visit public saunas, spas, pools, water centers, conferences, theaters, concerts or cinemas, consume entertainment services, go to museums or exhibitions or eat at restaurants. Participation in indoor or confined outdoor meetings has also been restricted.

The order concerns adults' sports and training, youth work, hobby education and recreational activities, refresher training and continuing education. An exception will be made for refresher training and the related examinations, according to which training that has already begun and that is needed for the acquisition of a fixed-term certificate proving qualification, can be completed. The exception is necessary because in some cases, a fixed-term certificate proving qualification is a prerequisite for being able to work.

In commercial premises and in service, compliance with the mask obligation must be monitored by service providers and salespeople. People without masks must not be permitted to enter sales or service areas. Dispersion of people must be ensured in the said areas to prevent the spread of the virus.

It is strictly recommended to use medical masks or masks that have been declared equal with medical masks in terms of their efficiency. People who are unable to wear a mask for medical reasons must provide corresponding proof from their doctor to substantiate their claim.

Wearing a protective mask is strictly recommended also in controlled events, such as in theaters and cinemas and at concerts, for people who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 as well as for children starting from the age of 12.

With regard to employment relations, the employer's risk analysis will remain the basis for working arrangements.

The new restriction is in force at least until January 10, 2022.

The government also approved an order amending the procedure for self-isolation and testing in schools and in hobby education to better disrupt infection chains among students in these environments. In schools and in hobby education, all pupils who are deemed close contacts must stay at home until they have had a negative PCR test.

To speed up vaccination, the government is raising the amount paid per vaccine injection to motivate vaccinators. The state also has provided incentives for family medicine centers and local governments in a bid to increase vaccination coverage.

The Health Board meanwhile has been authorized to close those institutions that do not comply with valid restrictions.

The government strictly recommends both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people to work from home if possible.

The government supports a proposal to increase the surcharge paid to hospitals for the treatment of COVID-19 patients per day by 75 percent. The measure is valid from October to the end of December.