What's the government response timeline for Estonia?

On March 12, Estonia announced that it was closing schools and banning public gatherings until May 1 to limit the spread of the coronavirus: Source 1 ( https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-estonia/estonia-closes-schools-bans-public-events-over-coronavirus-idUSKBN2100RQ) Source 2 Republic of Estonia: ( https://www.valitsus.ee/en/emergency-situation-estonia)

On March 12, the Government established the emergency situation in Estonia to prevent the spread of the virus, to provide for a clear leadership and to implement additional measures necessary to keep the virus under control. However, no specific stay at home requirements were mandated. Source: https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/special-notice-government-has-extended-emergency-situation-estonia-until-may-17

At border crossing points, health checks will take place to detect symptoms of the coronavirus. Travelers will also need to start filling in forms upon entering the country in order to identify the origin of their stay at the border. https://news.err.ee/1063584/tourists-advised-to-postpone-visiting-estonia

On March 12th, 2020, the Government called together a special Committee tasked with resolving issues arising from events related to spreading of the coronavirus, public health and the economy. This is the first time an emergency situation has been called out in Estonia after regaining its independence. The committee provides information and updates about the virus: https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation-estonia

Testing for the novel coronavirus will still primarily concern people over the age of 60 and people with chronic illness. https://news.postimees.ee/6927412/only-people-in-risk-groups-to-be-tested-for-coronavirus

Per Martin Kadai, director of the Health Board's Emergency Medicine Department, "The Health Board has not conducted such supervision over people; we have not been at their doors and we are not tracking them in any way," Kadai said, explaining that the agency is not keeping a special eye on those diagnosed with the disease. "We can't keep up with tracking everyone and calling everyone. The same recommendations apply to everyone: if someone is sick, then they cannot spread the disease; they are to remain at home, and consult with their family doctor by phone." https://news.err.ee/1063585/health-board-goal-no-longer-to-find-each-individual-coronavirus-case

Banks in Estonia are prepared to give borrowers a grace period where needed, in response to economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Estonian bank LHV says it will extend an up to six-month grace period on corporate loans, though other banks have not mentioned a duration. https://news.err.ee/1063398/banks-prepared-to-give-grace-period-to-borrowers-facing-coronavirus-effects

"In order to protect the islands against coronary virus, restrictions on movement on the islands of Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Muhu, Ruhnu, Saarema and Vormsi have been established." Travel to these islands is restricted to permanent residents. ( https://news.err.ee/1064041/western-estonian-islands-closed-to-all-but-residents)

Announcement on March 12th of the closure of all schools and universities, enforced on Monday March 16th. ( https://news.err.ee/1063221/all-schools-to-close-on-monday-additional-border-controls-introduced) ( https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse) On March 12, Estonia announced that it was closing schools and banning public gatherings until May 1 to limit the spread of the coronavirus: Source 1 ( https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-estonia/estonia-closes-schools-bans-public-events-over-coronavirus-idUSKBN2100RQ) Source 2 Republic of Estonia: ( https://www.valitsus.ee/en/emergency-situation-estonia)

The government of Estonia is currently restricting crossing of the Schengen internal and external borders temporarily, i.e. has reintroduced full border control in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Starting from Tuesday, March 17th 2020, the rules of border crossing have been: 1. Only citizens of Estonia and holders of Estonian residency permit or right of residence, among them the so-called grey passport holders can enter Estonia, as well as those foreign citizens whose family member lives in Estonia. https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

While additional orders were imposed on March 23rd by the government, it appears that stay at home requirements were not mandated. For instance, the measures specified that: "Thirdly, it was decided that restaurants and bars should be closed at 10 pm in the evening, and that only take-away and home delivery will be allowed after that time." This implies that stay at home measures were not in place at that time. Source: https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/additional-measures-emergency-situation

"However, on 25 March, Estonia had imposed new restrictions, specifying that gatherings of more than two people were prohibited in public spaces and imposing social-distancing of at least two metres." ( https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/short_news/estonia-update-covid-19/)

"the emergency committee agreed to close shopping centres, except for grocery stores, pharmacies, telecommunication outlets, bank offices, parcel stations, and stores selling or renting assistant and medical devices on the basis of an assistant card or medical device card as of March 27... entertainment venues, for example bowling and billiard halls, hookah cafés, adult clubs, will be closed." https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/additional-measures-emergency-situation

In general the public transport inside and between cities works. There have been some changes to the schedules and cancellations but public transit users are encouraged to check timetables. There are restrictions on movement on the islands of Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Muhumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu and Ruhnu in place.

Government of Estonia has a dedicated website, FAQ sheets, call centre, informational material and an A.I bot answering questions on COVID. There are coordinated communication materials and FAQs from all sectors available online / news media. https://www.kriis.ee/en

On 3/29 additional restrictions in the rural municipalities of Saaremaa and Muhu were put into place that prohibit leaving your house except for essential duties: https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/530032020001/consolide Failure to duly comply with measures of emergency situation will prompt the application of the administrative coercive measures set out in § 28 (2) or (3) of the Law Enforcement Act. According to § 47 of the Emergency Act, the amount of penalty payment is 2000 euros.

Staring April 8th, family doctors can refer to testing anyone with symptoms indicative of coronavirus regarding whom a reasoned suspicion of presence of the virus exists, regardless of their age and accompanying illnesses. https://www.baltictimes.com/1_609_coronavirus_tests_carried_out_in_estonia_in_past_day__new_cases_number_23/

On March 12, due to the pandemic spread of the coronavirus in the world and a more extensive spread of the virus in Estonia, the Government of the Republic declared an emergency situation (initially until May 1, 2020). On April 24, the government extended the emergency situation until May 17 (included), 2010. Due to this, restrictions on national and cross-border movements have been established in Estonia https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation

As of March 27, on the order of the person in charge of the emergency situation, shopping centres are closed. Only grocery stores, pharmacies, points of sale of telecommunications companies, bank offices, parcel terminals and stores where technical aids and medical devices are sold or rented on the basis of the relevant card will remain open there. The gov has extended the emergency situation in Estonia until May 17. Employers and employees can access information on furlough and unemployment online. ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation)

On April 24, the government extended the emergency situation and the restrictions accompanying it until May 17 (included). Up to two people can be together in public places. The restriction does not apply to families and to people performing public duties. Source: https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation

On April 27, 2020 the person in charge of the emergency situation, Jüri Ratas, signed an order concerning the emergency situation on Saaremaa and Muhu municipalities, which will ease the restrictions imposed on the islands. Special permits will be issued for travel between the islands and the mainland. Source: https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/special-notice-restrictions-emergency-situation-will-be-eased-saaremaa-and-muhu-island

As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (visited on April 30, 2020): 1. "Estonia's borders are open"; 2. There is a 14-day quarantine requirement in Estonia, ie when coming from a holiday or trip, you must remain in quarantine for 14 days in Estonia; 3. On travel from Estonia: "We recommend that you consider the need for travel extremely carefully and set off only when absolutely necessary". Source: https://vm.ee/et/koroonaviirus-2019-ncov

Grace periods can be applied to corporate loans, mortgage loans, leases, as well as consumer credit agreements. The length of the grace period is up to 12 months for mortgage loans and up to six months for leases and consumer loans. The common regulations for the grant of grace periods arising from the emergency situation will step into force on April 27 and they will be published on the web page of the Estonian Banking Association. https://news.err.ee/1082058/banks-agree-on-common-rules-for-grace-periods

Government of Estonia has a dedicated website, FAQ sheets, call centre, informational material and an A.I bot answering questions on COVID. There are coordinated communication materials and FAQs from all sectors available online / news media. https://www.kriis.ee/en

On April 24, the government extended the emergency situation and the restrictions accompanying it until May 17 (included) ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation)

Population-wide testing has been approved by the Cabinet since April 9th, but doesn't yet appear to be widely available. Testing is prioritized for high risk individuals, but is theoretically available to all symptomatic persons. https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/cabinet-meeting-proposal-population-based-testing-estonia-was-approved https://www.kriis.ee/en/testing-virus

Those who fall sick are instructed to inform their employer, who should establish that person's immediate contacts and instruct them to self-isolate. https://www.kriis.ee/en/node/52666

Schools to remain closed until May 15th, at which point all levels will open contingent on hygiene/distancing requirements. https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/special-announcement-government-eases-restrictions-fields-education-culture-and-sports

"As of tomorrow, the restriction on freedom of movement will be lifted, people can travel feely between the islands and the mainland Estonia, and from one island to another, regardless of their place of residence. Since the risk of spreading the coronavirus due to movement between the islands and the mainland has decreased considerably, lifting the movement restriction is a proportional response." ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/special-notice-tomorrow-movement-restrictions-between-islands-and-mainland-estonia-will-be)

As of May 11th, most stores and restaurants in shopping malls will be allowed to reopen, provided social distancing measures are followed. Sports facilities, children’s playrooms, casinos, slot machine halls, entertainment and amusement facilities must remain closed, and 'public gatherings' in any shopping mall or other workplace are still prohibited. https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/special-announcement-emergency-situation-restrictions-will-be-eased-shopping-centres

"The Government of Estonia decided to move all educational institutions (except preschool institutions), hobby education, hobby activities as well as youth centres to remote learning starting from March 16. After May 15, contact learning may partially be resumed. As for preschool institutions, the manager decides on the opening and organisation of work." ( https://www.hm.ee/en/spread-covid-19-recommendations-educational-institutions) "Schools are allowed to open under certain conditions. However, most continue through distance learning" ( https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse)

Residents of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania may now pass freely between all three Baltic states without Quarantine. https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-supported-joint-statement-baltic-republics-improved-protection-health-people Finnish citizens may pass into Estonia from Finland without Quarantine. https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-specified-order-border-crossing-between-estonia-and-finland

While there is no specific information on stay-at-home measures, from the fact that most schools and workplaces reopened it is possible to infer that all stay-at-home measures were lifted. There is also no evidence of recommending stay-at-home requirements. However, the government does urge individuals to wear masks whenever going out and to practice general safety measures. ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/emergency-situation-and-covid-19)

Extensive guidelines from the government about safe workplace practices for sectors that have reopened. https://www.kriis.ee/en/work-work-related-travel

While there is no formal systematic income support, government says that "The board of the Unemployment Insurance Fund agreed on March 18, that the Unemployment Insurance Fund plans to compensate 70 percent of salary within two months to avoid layoffs in affected companies." Individuals will be compensated retroactively for the period between March 1st and May 31st. ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/economy-and-business)

A range of support measures can be viewed here: https://www.kriis.ee/en/economy-and-business

Testing policy remains unchanged: "People are tested when they are symptomatic and it is medically indicated. The necessity of testing is decided by the family doctor who sends the patient to be tested. The family doctor has been issued with guidelines but the final decision is always the family doctor’s medical decision that she takes, knowing the patients in her list, taking into consideration the patient’s symptoms, general health condition and all additional diseases. The doctor will evaluate all cases individually. Testing priority is given to older people and the chronically ill, regardless of their age, which means that in justified cases people of all ages are tested if there is a medical indication."( https://www.kriis.ee/en/testing-virus)

With the order of the Government of the Republic, the restrictions on informal education and activities were eased considerably as of June 1. Easing of restrictions apply to basic schools, secondary schools, vocational education institutions and higher education institutions, as well as in the organisation of activities of supplementary education institutions, informal education and hobby activities providers, and open youth centres. As of June 1: 1. indoor activities are allowed, if no more than 50 % of the capacity of the premises is used but no more than 100 persons at the same time. 2. outdoor activities are allowed for no more than 100 participants. Link - https://www.kriis.ee/en/all-questions-and-answers

"From 1 June to 30 June, public events may be organised with 100 participants instead of a maximum of 50 people. Indoors, the 50 per cent occupancy limit and the 2+2 rule must be observed. This applies to public events (cinemas, theatres, concerts, etc.) as well as to meetings, casinos, and arcades." ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-eased-restrictions-related-covid-19) "From 1 June, public events, such as film screenings, theatre performances, fairs, festivals, conferences, etc., will be allowed both indoors and outdoors. However, the organiser must ensure compliance with the 2 + 2 rule and the 50 per cent capacity requirement, and no more than 50 persons may take part in the event. Public events held outdoors may not be attended by more than 100 persons." ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-specified-easing-restrictions-after-emergency-situation)

"From 1 June to 30 June, public events may be organised with 100 participants instead of a maximum of 50 people. Indoors, the 50 per cent occupancy limit and the 2+2 rule must be observed. This applies to public events (cinemas, theatres, concerts, etc.) as well as to meetings, casinos, and arcades. Similarly, the requirements imposed on public events also apply to basic schools, upper secondary schools, vocational education institutions, refresher training institutions, open youth centres, hobby activities, and hobby education, with the exception of the research and development activities of universities and research institutions. Until 30 June, the 2+2 rule and the limit of 100 participants also apply to sports competitions held indoors without spectators. It is allowed to organise a sports competition outdoors with spectators if the number of participants does not exceed 100. The organiser must ensure that disinfectants are available." ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-eased-restrictions-related-covid-19)

"The government approved a decision allowing people arriving from a member state of the European Union, the Schengen Area, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to cross the Estonian state border from 1 June. A person may enter the Republic of Estonia if they have no symptoms of illness and have stayed in those countries for the last 14 days, which is the incubation period of COVID-19. Upon arrival in Estonia, a person must be in quarantine for 14 days if they have arrived from a country where the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants has been more than 15 in the last 14 days. Persons coming from a country with a smaller number of infected persons are not required to be in quarantine." ( https://www.kriis.ee/en/news/government-eased-restrictions-related-covid-19)

No updates to this since May. https://kkk.kriis.ee/en/faq/business-and-economy-banking-consumer-protection/banking

People are tested when they are symptomatic and it is medically indicated. https://kkk.kriis.ee/en/faq/coronavirus-spread-testing-treatment-prevention-masks/testing-for-the-virus

As of June 19 - instead of 2+2 rule, the requirement of dispersion applies. This means that it is still necessary to keep a safe distance between people, but the mandatory national 2+2 rule no longer applies. - all other requirements established for the number of participants, use of capacity of premises, use of disinfectants and other measures, remain valid. https://kkk.kriis.ee/en/faq/education-summer-camps-preschools-hobby-education-continuous-education/general-education-vocational-education-higher-education

No change since Jun 1 briefing.

No change since June 1 briefing. As of June 1, the Estonian borders were re-opened for people arriving from European countries. People can enter the country, and do not have the obligation to stay at home, if: they are arriving from the European Union Member State, a Schengen area country, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. they have no symptoms of the disease. they have stayed in the European Union Member State or a Schengen Area country, or in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland where in the past 14 days the coronavirus infection rate is no more than 15 persons per 100,000 inhabitants. https://kkk.kriis.ee/en/faq/travelling-to-and-from-estonia/travelling-to-estonia--foreigners

Reuters news of 23rd May mentions "Estonia has started to test one of the world’s first digital immunity passports, created by a team including founders of global tech startups Transferwise and Bolt, seeking a safer return to workplaces following the coronavirus lockdown. Link: https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-estonia-digital/estonia-starts-testing-digital-immunity-passport-for-workplaces-idUSKBN22W0GE 2As of June 1, saunas, spas, swimming pools, and water centres, as well as certain leisure-time establishments may open, such as bowling, billiards, and playrooms for children. The requirement for not exceeding 50% visitor capacity, for carrying out regular disinfection and for dispersion must be compiled according to the instructions of the Health Board. Night-time entertainment establishments As of June 1, casinos and arcades can be opened again, but establishments must comply with the max. 50% visitor capacity requirement as well as no more than 50 visitors are allowed simultaneously to stay on the premises. In addition, disinfectants must be available for staff and clients. As of 1 July, the government also decided to reopen nightclubs, hookah bars and adult entertainment clubs. These entertainment locations may reopen their doors on the condition that operators ensure the appropriate dispersion of customers, a maximum capacity of 50 percent, a maximum of 100 participants, and disinfection requirements. Link https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia Note:This shows that from 1st June all businesses and workplace were opened from 1st June. It is suggested to review from first June updated data.

From June 1 to June 30, public events, such as film screenings in movie theatres, theatre performances, fairs, festivals, conferences, etc., are allowed both indoors and outdoors. However, the organiser must ensure compliance with the dispersion requirement and the venue's max. 50% audience capacity requirement. No more than 100 persons may take part in the event. Public events held outdoors may not be attended by more than 100 persons. Link https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

From June 1 to June 30, public events, such as film screenings in movie theatres, theatre performances, fairs, festivals, conferences, etc., are allowed both indoors and outdoors. However, the organiser must ensure compliance with the dispersion requirement and the venue's max. 50% audience capacity requirement. No more than 100 persons may take part in the event. Public events held outdoors may not be attended by more than 100 persons. Link https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

As of July 1, no more than 500 people may participate in an indoor event, even if the 50% attendee capacity of the venue is not exceeded. The amount public in outdoor events may be up to 1000 persons. Link https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

From 1 June, Estonia admits people with no Covid-19 symptoms arriving from the European Union, the members of the Schengen area or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - but quarantine requirements may apply. Link https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

https://www.kriis.ee/en/education-and-distance-learning As of July 1st outdoor gatherings of no more than 1000 people, indoor activities must operate at 50% capacity

Does not apply to European Union and some pre selected countries with infection number less than 15/100000. Since July 1st https://www.kriis.ee/en/travelling-and-border-crossing

https://www.kriis.ee/en/coronavirus-and-healthcare Public health info is made available and targted at public in public spaces and online

https://www.kriis.ee/en/testing-virus All symptomatic patients in and out of hospital and those with indications

Public events continue to be permitted; link from the government's official news releases expands limits for public gatherings (2,000 participants outdoors, 1,500 indoors, with 50% occupancy and "dispersal" rules) "Today, the government decided to relieve the restrictions currently in force for public gatherings, events, and sports competitions as of 15 July and to increase the permitted number of visitors. As of the middle of July, up to 2,000 visitors are allowed to attend outdoor events, replacing the current restriction of 1,000 attendants. For indoors, the current restriction of 500 people will be replaced by a limit of 1,500 visitors. Meanwhile, the restriction of 50 per cent occupancy and the rule of dispersal are still in force. In order to limit the risk of contagion, visitors must also be distributed at entrances and exits, bathrooms, leisure areas, and other more popular gathering places." http://archive.fo/kHtvc

Travel continues to be permitted with quarantines required except for some countries. Citizens from all countries may enter Estonia for work or studies. From 27 July, citizens of some European countries must now quarantine upon arrival in Estonia. " Based on the coronavirus infection rate, starting from Monday 27 July, a two-week restriction on freedom of movement will apply to people arriving in Estonia from Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Monaco, Luxembourg, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. Starting from next week, the restriction on freedom of movement will not apply to people travelling to Estonia if they arrive from Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the Vatican City. From the list of third countries agreed in the European Union, travelling to Estonia is possible from Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, South Korea, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay." http://archive.fo/g4KEW

Applying only to certain countries. Weekly list published on a Friday of countries with R number below 16, Travellers from those countries do not need to self isolate https://vm.ee/en/coronavirus-2019-ncov

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/estonia Quarantine if not from pre approved travel list

No new update.

No new update. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

No new update. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

Hence July 15, no more than 1500 persons may participate in an indoor event. The amount public in outdoor events may be up to 2000 persons (unless a special permission is granted by the Health Board together with local governmental unit and The Government's working committee). Disinfectants must be provided and the dispersion requirement must be followed. The restriction of 50% occupancy is still in force for all such premises, that do not provide stationary seating places for all members of the audience. Additionally in order to limit the risk of contagion, visitors must be distributed at entrances and exits, bathrooms, leisure areas, and other more popular gathering places. Moreover, the government advises the organisers of both indoor and outdoor events to turn to the Health Board for recommendations on additional measures to prevent the spreading of the disease; the Health Board can then monitor the event and advise its organisers. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

No new update. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

No new update. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

No new update. Source: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/coronavirus-and-travelling-to-estonia

No new update. Source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors

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