Government specifies next steps in relaxing coronavirus restrictions
The Estonian government at its Thursday meeting decided on the country's next steps in relaxing various restrictions introduced in recent months to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. Several changes are scheduled to take effect on June 1.
Drive-in movies, concerts
The government has lifted the requirement that drive-in movie screenings and concerts must take place outdoors; under specific conditions, these events may be organized in indoor spaces as well, such as concert halls. Attendees must adhere to the 2+2 rule and may not exit their cars unless strictly necessary, and cars must be parked at an appropriate distance from one another. Organizers must also ensure the availability of disinfectants.
Theater performances, festivals
Beginning June 1, public events with limited attendance will be permitted both indoors and outdoors again, including movie screenings at movie theaters, theater performances, concerts, fairs, festivals and conferences. Conditions include adherence to the 2+2 rule, a maximum occupancy of 50 percent of an indoor space's occupancy limit, and a maximum total of 50 people indoors or 100 people outdoors.
Museums, exhibitions
As of June 1, the ten-person restriction on group size will be lifted for museum and exhibition visits. Adherence to the 2+2 rule must be ensured.
Casinos, slots
Casinos and slots will be reopened June 1, with a maximum occupancy of 50 percent of an indoor space's occupancy limit, and a maximum total of 50 people. Disinfectants must be provided to employees as well as patrons.
Restaurants, bars
Beginning June 1, restaurants and bars will be permitted to allow dining in as well as the sale of alcohol past 10 p.m. Adherence to the 2+2 rule must be ensured and disinfectants must be provided.
Sporting events
Beginning July 1, sporting events with spectators will be permitted again under specific conditions. Adherence to the 2+2 rule must be ensured, indoor sporting events are limited to a maximum occupancy of 50 percent of an indoor space's occupancy limit and 500 people, and outdoor sporting events are limited to a maximum of 1,000 people. The overall limit includes athletes, coaches, staff and spectators combined.
Alcohol
As of June 1, the retail sale of alcohol will be permitted according to previous rules.
Quarantine-free travel to Baltics, Finland
Estonian residents not exhibiting any symptoms may travel between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland without being required to quarantine for 14 days if they have not traveled or from any other country in the past two weeks. If someone has traveled to Estonia from a third country via Latvia or Lithuania, however, they are still subject to a 14-day quarantine.
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Editor: Aili Vahtla