NordenBladet — The Government imposes extensive restrictions due to COVID-19 in Harju County and extends the measures already in place to prevent further spread of the coronavirus in Ida-Viru County. In addition, as of December 24, a 50 percent use of maximum capacity requirement for religious services will apply nationally. To compensate for the economic damage caused by the new restrictions, the members of the government also agreed on subsidies for the most affected economic sectors. The total amount of support amounts to EUR 23 million. The Government will issue separate orders for both restrictions and support measures.

“Considering the accelerated spread of the coronavirus in Tallinn and Harju County, the increasing occupancy of local hospitals and the spread of the coronavirus among hospital staff, we have to make difficult decisions to protect our medical system from overload and ensure access to medical care,” said Prime Minister Mr. Jüri Ratas. “Unfortunately, we see that the existing measures have not been enough to slow down the virus growth trend. Based on the opinion of the Scientific Council and the Estonian Health Board, the Government decided to impose more extensive restrictions in Harju County and Tallinn in order to break the chain of connections causing the spread of infection. To stop the spread of the virus, people of Estonia need to spend Christmas within a small family circle. In this way, we can show solidarity with society as a whole and contribute to stopping the spread of the coronavirus. ”

Restrictions applicable for Harju County and Ida-Viru County from December 28 to January 17.

It is not allowed to provide any entertainment services anywhere – casinos, bowling and billiard halls, adult clubs and premises of accommodation facilities. Accommodation establishments may continue to provide accommodation services.

All sales and service premises of catering companies must be closed to customers. Food takeaway and related delivery service are permitted. All sports facilities must be closed for visitors, including sports club, saunas, spas, swimming pools, water parks. Restrictions do not apply to professional athletes, including national championship teams, team members and team candidates. There is also no restriction for people with special needs.

It is not allowed to hold public meetings and events, including conferences, theatre performances, concerts, and indoor cinema viewings. Museums and exhibitions must also be closed to visitors. Up to 10 people can take part in public events and meetings outdoors.

Indoor youth work, hobby activities and informal education, further training, and continuous education, as well as sports and coaching activities are prohibited. All these activities are allowed outdoors for a group of up to ten people and a coach.

Kindergartens and childcare facilities will remain open, but guidelines issued by the Estonian Health Board and local government to prevent the spread of the virus must be followed.

50 percent use of maximum capacity restriction will apply to public religious services from December 24

A 50% use of maximum capacity ceiling will be applied to worship and religious services throughout Estonia in order to avoid the risk of the coronavirus spreading during the Christmas holidays. Masks must be worn indoors, disinfection requirements must be met and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus must be followed.

Restrictions on educational activities for general education schools will remain in place nationally until the end of the school holidays, January 10. (incl.)

The Government extended restrictions on educational activities until January 10, 2021 (incl.). The extension of restrictions affects general education schools, vocational training institutions, universities of applied sciences, and universities. Those schools where the break ends before January 10, Years 1 to 4 may return to school for classes. The restrictions, which will come into force after January 10, will be discussed by the Government at a cabinet meeting next week.

The Government Communication Office publishes the order and its explanatory memorandum on the website kriis.ee.

In addition, the Government also discussed sector-based compensations for restrictions that significantly affect economic life in Harju County and compensations arising from the extension of restrictions in Ida-Viru County. Compensation measures for businesses in Harju County are aimed for accommodation, catering, entertainment (casinos) services, as well as culture, sports, private education, and hobby activities. The measures total EUR 23 million. The content of the measures is the compensation for taxes on labour according to the employment data in the county, as well as the subsidies directed through the field of culture and education.

NordenBladet — Today, the last meeting of the Baltic Prime Ministers during the Estonian Presidency of the Baltic Council of Ministers took place in an online environment, discussing the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and the state of joint energy and infrastructure projects. The meeting was also attended by Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy.

Prime Minister Jüri Ratas gave an overview of the implementation of the action plan of the Estonian Presidency, which was strongly shaped by COVID-19. At the same time, close co-operation will continue on major energy and infrastructure projects, including renewable energy.

“I am glad that during this difficult year, we have been in very close communication with our neighbours and have also been able to hold two physical meetings and four video meetings,” said Jüri Ratas.

The Baltic prime ministers presented the vaccination plans and the situation regarding the movement of passengers in the Baltic States, which is affected by the spread of a new strain of coronavirus discovered in Great Britain as well as the growing infection numbers in the three Baltic countries. “We decided that it is important to continue coordinating cross-border movement between the three Baltic States and, if necessary, to work together to ensure that Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian citizens and residents can return home safely from Great Britain despite the air traffic restrictions,” said Ratas.

According to the Estonian Prime Minister, COVID-19 numbers are growing in all three neighbouring countries and we were forced to increase the restrictions. “However, the vaccination that will start soon gives us great hope. The vaccination plan has been approved, we work closely with the entire European Union, and we also coordinate our activities with Latvia and Lithuania. It would be good if Latvia and Lithuania also joined the Estonian-WHO igital immunization certificate pilot project,” Ratas emphasised.

Speaking about Rail Baltica, the Estonian Prime Minister emphasised that the common goal of the Baltic States is to build the railway quickly. This will be achieved through the summer agreement of the Council, whereby we secured additional funding of a total of 1.38 billion euros for the Rail Baltica project for the three countries.

The second part of the meeting began with a discussion on energy. Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, joined the meeting at this point and drew attention to the opportunities that the growing use of renewable energy, including the construction of offshore wind farms, will bring to the Baltic States. “The Baltic States take the goals of the European Green Agreement seriously and their contribution is necessary to achieve our goals. The European Commission welcomes plans to develop the offshore wind potential of the Baltics and to establish joint renewable energy projects, for example between Latvia and Estonia. We also consider it necessary to move forward with the synchronisation, and the European Commission is helping Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in many ways,” said Simson.

“The European Commission has recently decided to support the project with another 720 million euros. The synchronisation of the electricity networks of the Baltic States with the Central European electricity system by 2025 is a priority strategic project for all of us,” confirmed Jüri Ratas.

Next year, leadership of the Baltic co-operation will be taken over by Lithuania, whose main targets are close co-operation between the Baltic States in the fight against the coronavirus, major joint infrastructure projects, as well as security co-operation and the Eastern Partnership, especially supporting the Belarusian people in democracy and human rights.

A joint declaration was also signed at the meeting:
https://www.valitsus.ee/sites/default/files/joint_statement_3b_pm_final_… (PDF)

NordenBladet — Today the Government supported the proposal made by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Mr Taavi Aas to suspend air traffic between Estonia and the United Kingdom from midnight tonight until the end of this year in connection with information about the new strain of coronavirus spreading in the UK.

The restriction is established by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure.

As of December 20, due to the spread of the coronavirus and the discovery of a new strain, the United Kingdom has established additional restrictions.  According to the information available to the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs, several countries, including Latvia, have already suspended, or are considering suspending the transport of air passengers with the United Kingdom.  In addition, countries are considering additional isolation measures for passengers arriving from the United Kingdom.

“The Government agreed that it was necessary to take precautionary measures and temporarily suspend air traffic with the UK until the new year, along with other countries. The decision was made to protect the health of our people. The recommendation to avoid travelling abroad during the Christmas holidays and during the school breaks still applies – trips abroad should be postponed due to the continued high spread of coronavirus in other countries as well,” said Prime Minister Mr Jüri Ratas.

“The restriction on the transport of air passengers between Estonia and the United Kingdom is temporary and the government will review it as soon as we have more information about the new strain of coronavirus,” added the Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Mr Taavi Aas.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications will provide more information about the restriction of air traffic.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is constantly monitoring the situation. If Estonian citizens encounter problems returning home, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requests contacting the consular assistance emergency phone +372 53 01 9999 (24 h).

Additional information about the spread of the virus in other countries can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

NordenBladet — The government extended the quarantine requirements for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and persons who have been in close contact with them until 1 February 2021.

COVID-19 patients are prohibited from leaving their place of residence or permanent place of stay from the time of diagnosis until recovery. Such persons may leave their place of residence or permanent place of stay only on the order of a health care professional or a police officer or in the event of an emergency that puts the person’s life or health at risk. A hotel or other accommodation establishment, such as a guest apartment, which is used by a person who has no other place of residence or place of stay during their stay in Estonia, is considered a permanent place of stay. A permanent place of stay also means places where shelter services and safe house services are provided.

The requirement to remain in quarantine for 14 days applies to persons living with the patient, permanently staying in the same place of residence as them, and to other persons who have otherwise had close contact with the person. Persons who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 may take the coronavirus test no earlier than on the 10th calendar day since the last close contact and will no longer be required to stay in quarantine if the test comes back negative. A person diagnosed with COVID-19 will no longer be required to stay in quarantine if a physician declares the person not contagious.

As an exception, a person who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 may leave their home for grocery shopping or getting everyday essentials near their place of residence or place of stay if they do not have any symptoms of illness. A person who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 may also go outdoors if they do not have any symptoms of illness and if they completely avoid contact with other persons.

A person who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 may leave their place of residence or place of stay if they are a health care professional who is performing urgent duties by a decision of their employer or if they are performing urgent duties by a decision of their employer and with advice from the Health Board and without whom the performance of a task of a state or local authority would be impossible. The exception also extends to persons ensuring the continuity of a vital service. If a person who has had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 leaves home in these exceptional cases, they must closely monitor their health and take all possible measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Government Communication Unit will publish the order and the explanatory memorandum on the website kriis.ee.

The content of the order must be published in the media. We will send a formal notification concerning the matter.

Source: Estonian Government

NordenBladet — Prime Minister Jüri Ratas met with the representatives of trade companies over video bridge yesterday to discuss the situation before Christmas and the compliance with the rules established in the shopping centres and stores to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Ratas emphasised that the efforts of both trade companies and customers are vitally important in order to cope with the second wave of the coronavirus together. ‘The spread of the coronavirus is critically high in Estonia. Therefore, before Christmas, as well as at the end of the year and at the beginning of the new year, we all – including traders, sellers, security staff, and shopper – need to be extra vigilant when visiting stores and follow the easiest but much needed rules to stop the virus from spreading further. We have to wear a mask, keep distance, wash hands, and also use the HOIA mobile app,’ the Prime Minister said. ‘We all want to be healthy and refrain from passing the infection among family on to the closest ones during the Christmas holidays. It is up to the behaviour of every Estonian resident whether we are able to seize control of the spread of the virus and whether our medical system can withstand the crisis,’ Ratas said.

According to the Prime Minister, close cooperation between the Government, authorities, and businesses is necessary to enforce the established necessary restrictions. While imposing such restrictions, the Government’s aim has been to prevent the spread of the virus, and at the same time to allow companies to continue operating, which is important for traders, employees, and buyers during the holidays.

The heads of the trade companies spoke about the measures taken in shopping centres and stores to prevent the virus from spreading, the number of visits to the stores, and the compliance with the rules by the customers. For example, it was highlighted that more and more visitors are wearing masks, and some traders have also distributed masks to visitors, if necessary. Entrepreneurs noted that they would continue to inform their visitors about the rules and draw the attention of shoppers and security staff to the need to wear a mask or keep their distance, if relevant. It is also planned to increase supervision over compliance with the rules by both entrepreneurs themselves and the Police and Border Guard Board during the holidays.

The occupancy rates of stores and shopping centres must not exceed 50 percent. People have to maintain a distance of two metres in stores, shopping centres, and points of service, and a maximum of two people may move around together. In addition, it is necessary to disinfect hands and wear a mask or cover one’s nose and mouth indoors, and avoid visiting the stores when feeling ill. It is recommended to make the Christmas purchases early, using online stores or courier services, if possible. When visiting the store, one should choose a time where there are as few other buyers as possible and it is wise to use the contactless payment option for purchasing.

The meeting was attended by the heads of Ülemiste Centre, Kaubamaja Group, Selver, Prisma, COOP Keskühistu, Kristiine, and Rocca al Mare centres, Viru Keskus, Maxima, Rimi, K-Rauta, Bauhof, and Decora, as well as the CEO of the Estonian Traders Association, Nele Peil. Also, Minister of Social Affairs Tanel Kiik, Minister of Foreign Trade and Information Technology Raul Siem, Director General of the Health Board Üllar Lanno, Head of the Research Council Irja Lutsar, as well as the representatives from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the Police and Border Guard Board were present at the meeting.

Recommendations on the website of kriis.ee at: https://www.kriis.ee/et/toit-side-kute-elekter-kutus-sularaha

NordenBladet — Today, Prime Minister Jüri Ratas met with Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, who is visiting members of the British Armed Forces in Estonia, to thank our close allies for contributing to NATO’s deterrence efforts in the region and for the excellent cooperation in international missions.

“I am really pleased that Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence, was able to visit the members of the British Armed Forces in Estonia at the end of this difficult year. We highly appreciate the contribution of the United Kingdom to Estonia and it is gratifying that cooperation between our military personnel in Estonia, Afghanistan, and Mali is going so smoothly. I reaffirm that Estonia is committed to ensuring the welfare and training opportunities of our allies in Estonia,” said Ratas.

The prime minister and the secretary of state for defence also spoke about the future relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom. Ratas confirmed that relations between Estonia and the United Kingdom will remain very close in any case. “Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I am hopeful that an agreement will soon be reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom which will form the basis for close future cooperation.”

Wallace and Ratas also shared their experiences of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on defence cooperation.

Within the framework of its strengthened presence in Estonia, the United Kingdom has 850 members of the British Armed Forces stationed in Estonia, and Estonians also serve in Mali and Afghanistan together with the British.

NordenBladet — In today’s cabinet meeting, the Government approved the COVID-19 vaccination plan, prepared by the Ministry of Social Affairs, pursuant to which, vaccination is firstly enabled for people ensuring the continuity of healthcare and social welfare services, and other risk groups.

‘Like all countries in the world, we also want to be as prepared as possible for vaccination’, said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas. ‘This is why we must quickly and carefully make preparations in departments of administration and the healthcare system, to be ready for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines and to begin with vaccinations at the first available opportunity’.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged both our people and our economy, and that successful vaccination is one of the prerequisites for overcoming the crisis. ‘However, we must also remember that right now, infections are on the rise, and to successfully reach vaccination, we must follow all safety rules and make a common effort to restrict the spread of the virus’, Ratas added.

Estonia’s aim is to achieve vaccination coverage that is as extensive as possible among risk groups, and to enable a free of charge vaccination against COVID-19 to all Estonians in 2021.

The Ministry of Social Affairs will introduce the vaccination plan today at 14:15, at a press conference held in the Joint Building for Ministries: https://www.sm.ee/et/uudised/pressikutse-sotsiaalministeeriumis-tutvustatakse-covid-19-vaktsineerimise-plaani

Vaccination plan on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs. (PDF)