The government extended the order on the imposition of quarantine on persons diagnosed with COVID-19 and on persons who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with the disease until 1 February 2021

Stenbock House, 17 December 2020 – 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.