“We do not want to keep the restrictions for a day longer than necessary, but in order to ease the restrictions, we need to be sure that the current decline in infection rates is permanent. Only in this way can we ensure that the reopening of society will be safe. We have to keep in mind that the current level of infection is comparable that of mid-February, when the situation became difficult and we started to tighten the restrictions,” said Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
“As a result of the joint efforts of all Estonians, we have been able to reduce the infection rate. We cannot take unnecessary risks that could nullify the efforts made and cause the infection rate to rise again. We will ease the restrictions gradually. As the danger is not over, we must remain careful as the weather warms. Active vaccination also plays an important role in reopening society,” she added.
If the downward trend in infections continues, the government’s priority is to partially provide contact learning in schools and to gradually ease restrictions on outdoor sports, training, and hobby education.
According to Minister of Education and Research Liina Kersna, schools are inevitably associated with a higher risk of infection and a higher number of contacts. “We are planning to open up schools step by step and following all safety measures, and students who are at the very beginning of their education are our priority here,” said the minister.
She also referred to the approaching school holidays, where the risks associated with travel must be taken into account. “The spring school holidays are coming. Please spend the holidays by enjoying the spring outdoors, with your family. Going on a family trip right now would be a very bad idea. In this case, the family will have to self-isolate for 10 days. If the downward trend in coronavirus infections continues, we hope to provide contact learning to at least young school children after the school holidays,” said Kersna.