Tallinn, Stenbock House, March 26, 2020 – the person in charge of the emergency situation issued an order establishing restrictions on freedom of movement for persons who have been diagnosed with coronavirus causing COVID-19, and those cohabiting or residing with a diagnosed individual. These more stringent rules come into force from Saturday, March 28, 2020.
A person infected with coronavirus
A person infected with coronavirus must remain at home until recovery. It is forbidden to leave home or permanent residence from the moment the coronavirus has been diagnosed. The restrictions on freedom of movement are essential for protecting human life and health and upholding the overriding public interest in preventing the spread of coronavirus causing COVID-19.
An infected person may only leave their home or the place of stay when directed to do so by a healthcare professional or the police, or in the event of an emergency endangering their life or health.
A person permanently staying in the same place of residence as the infected person, or a family member of the infected person
The family member of the infected person exhibiting no symptoms of coronavirus may leave the place of residence or permanent stay according to the instructions given below. They must keep with them their ID document, closely monitor their health and follow the 2+2 rule (e.g. no more than two people should congregate in a public place and people must maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others.)
Leaving the residence is possible:
1. to carry out work, in the case of a health care professional or other person providing essential services or performing public tasks necessary to deal with an emergency.
2. to purchase the essential items for everyday life, purchases must be made as close to the place of residence or stay as possible, if leaving the house is unavoidable.
3. a person who has not had any contact with the person infected with COVID-19 may leave the place of residence or permanent stay,
4. To go outside for fresh air.
Local government
The local government must provide assistance to people who have no access to everyday essentials, due to the coronavirus causing COVID-19 disease.
Police supervision
The police will enforce the requirements and will exchange data with the Health Board. If a person fails to comply with the requirements imposed, the police will issue an administrative directive. If this is not adhered to, then a coercive fine up to €2,000 will be imposed.
Entry into force of the order
Those infected with the coronavirus must remain in strict home isolation also now. The stricter regime including the restraints on those living with infected persons come into force on Saturday, March 28, and will remain in force until further notice. The regulations will be re-evaluated at least every two weeks.
The media must publish the order of this emergency manager immediately, unchanged and free of charge. The official notice will follow.