Estonia Requires Citizens and Tourists to Hold Vaccination Passport to Access Events & Certain Services from 25 October

Today, the Government agreed, in principle, on new control measures and support to help the overwhelmed hospitals and better contain the epidemic spread of the coronavirus. Additional control measures will be established temporarily from Monday, 25 October to 10 January 2022.

The obligation to wear a mask will become stricter and the access of unvaccinated adults to entertainment, culture and eating or drinking at restaurants and bars will be restricted, among others. Hospitals will be given support to cope with the crisis. Family medicine centres and local governments will be given support to accelerate the pace of vaccination.

“The epidemiological situation in Estonia is very critical and all hospitals in Estonia have had to limit scheduled treatment in order to save lives,” said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. “In order to prevent further escalation of the crisis, the government agreed, in principle, on measures to protect the functioning of the society and the hospital network and promote vaccination.”

Stricter mask rules at public unchecked indoor premises

The Government states that people must wear masks at indoor premises not checked for the risk of infection and just covering one’s mouth and nose will no longer be enough.

The Government also urges people from the age of 12 to wear masks during organised activities where vaccination or recovery from the disease is checked. This concerns, for instance, cinemas, theatres and concerts.

Only medical or equivalent masks prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which is why the government recommends using only these masks.

Reduction of contacts

Businesses must guarantee that people keep distance from each other on commercial and service premises. Shopping centres should also close the sitting and play areas on their premises in general use.

The Government urges both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to work from home if possible.

Control measure for protection of unvaccinated people

Only the certificates that prove vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 will remain effective as COVID certificates. This means that people who are not vaccinated against COVID or recovered from the disease can no longer participate in organised activities where a COVID certificate is required.

The restriction covers sports, training, youth work, hobbies, hobby education, in-service training, also sports competitions, sports and exercise events, public saunas, spas, swimming pools, water parks, public meetings and events, conferences, theatres, concerns, cinemas, museums, exhibition halls, provision of entertainment services and food service companies.

Source: Government