Klaas said: "...most importantly, if you feel even a little sick, please do not go out; stay home and consult your family doctor. Recent data suggest that young people suffer this disease more lightly, but they can pass it on to older family members. Today, there are already cases where grandmothers have been hospitalized."

Klaas also asked the city's residents to avoid enclosed public spaces, or if this were not possible, to wear a surgical mask.

"Current statistics confirm that enclosed public spaces are namely the place where the virus can best spread," Klaas said.

"...if there is an urgent need to be indoors, then my recommendation is to please wear a mask there."

"There is nice summer weather outside, enjoy these moments and opportunities to be outside," he added.

Klaas noted that the coming weeks will be make or break time as to whether further restrictions will be put in place in a city, and surrounding county, which Friday saw nighttime alcohol sales banned in bars, clubs and restaurants until further notice.

Klaas also urged city dwellers to maintain the 2+2 rule (maximum two people congregating in a public space, families excepted, minimum two meters distance between others in public – ed.) when at outdoor public events.

"My second request: when out at public events, when moving around, please keep a distance. This 2+2 rule has been designed to protect each other. The organizers of the events have created conditions in which it is possible to sit and move around at a distance of two meters," Klaas said.

"Let us pull ourselves together and come out of this situation together," Klaas concluded in his address.

Tartu's nighttime alcohol ban in entertainment establishments was installed by the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) following approval by the national government, which has previously said that localized restrictions could not be put in place and that the return of the type of regulations prevalent in spring would need to be nationwide.