Estonia to ease more restrictions from 31 May

Changes concern the 2+2 social distancing rule, as well as attendance limits on sports, recreational, cultural and catering establishments

Further alleviation of Covid-19 restrictions in Estonia was approved by the government on Tuesday, as the epidemiological situation steadily improves, reports ERR News. Changes concern the 2+2 social distancing rule, as well as limits on attendance and opening hours, both indoors and outdoors.  

Here are the forthcoming changes to the rules as well as the measures that remain in place according to the government’s press release.  

2+2 rule to be replaced with general distancing requirement

From 31 May, people should maintain a reasonable distance from others in public spaces instead of adhering to the existing 2+2 rule (maximum two people moving together while keeping a distance of two metres from other people). Members of one family will be exempt as before.

Mask-wearing mandate

The obligation to wear a mask in public indoor spaces will apply as before. In two weeks time, the government will assess the critical Covid-19 indicators and may replace the mandate with a strong recommendation to wear masks only in crowded settings.

Sports, training, hobby activities and education

From 31 May, all of these activities can be conducted indoors in groups of up to 25 people. Keeping a reasonable distance from other participants is required. Participation is capped at 200 people in total and a 50 percent room capacity limit applies.

As of 14 June, the participation cap on indoor activities will be raised to 600 people, with no changes to the capacity limit. 1,000 people can take part in outdoor activities.

Sports events, competitions

As of 14 June, events can be organized indoors for up to 600 people, including spectators, while observing a 50 percent capacity limit. 1,000 people can participate in outdoor events, including spectators. Both indoor and outdoor events must end by midnight.

From 14 June, top-level competitions will be allowed indoors and outdoors without capacity and time restrictions. Up to 600 people can participate indoors, including spectators, and a 50 percent capacity restriction applies. 1,000 people can participate in outdoor events, including the audience.

Public events, culture, churches, entertainment

From 31 May, a maximum of 200 people can take part in public gatherings and events, such as conferences, theatre performances, concerts, movie screenings, as well as other forms of entertainment and public congregations. A 50 percent capacity limit applies. All events must end by 10 pm, with exceptions provided for time-sensitive events, such as plays.

From 14 June, the attendance cap on these activities will be raised to 600 people. A 50 percent capacity limit applies per room and the event must be over before midnight. 1,000 people will be allowed to participate in outdoor events which also must end by midnight.

Museums and exhibitions

As of 14 June, museums and exhibition spaces can admit up to 600 visitors at a time, sticking to a 50 percent capacity limit both indoors and outdoors. Group activities will be allowed in museum and exhibition settings, but events must end by midnight.  

Spas, saunas, water parks, pools

From 14 June, up to 600 people can be in an indoor aquatic space. Facilities will operate at half capacity and must close doors by midnight.

Catering establishments

From 14 June, indoor spaces of eateries can operate at 50 percent capacity, with no restrictions on the number of people seated at one table. The general distancing requirement needs to be observed. Indoor catering spaces, terraces and outdoor areas must be closed by midnight.

Retail and services

Distancing must be ensured in stores and service establishments, with a 50 percent capacity limit in place.