The Government clarified the COVID-19 rules to enter into force on Monday

Stenbock House, 5 August 2021 – Today, the Government approved a decision exempting religious services as well as catering establishments on board ferries from infection control. It is also specified that people up to the age of 18 can take part in youth work and hobby education, but also play sports and train without limits on the number of participants.


Religious services and religious rites

From 9 August, public religious services and rites with up to 50 participants may be held in places of worship and the 50 per cent occupancy requirement must be taken into account. It is not required to verify the infection safety of the people attending religious services; however, regardless of the number of participants, a mask must be worn indoors, requirement for dispersal must be taken into account, and the place of worship must comply with disinfection requirements and other measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The exception does not apply to church concerts, which are subject to general event requirements. This means that if there are more than 50 participants indoors, the infection safety of the participants must be verified.


Domestic ferries

Infection controls are not required at catering establishments on board domestic ferries. As a means of public transport, a ferry is considered one undivided space where the same rules apply. This means that there is no need to monitor the number of people allowed indoors at catering establishments on board ferries or to check infection safety certificates if there are more than 50 people in the room. As with other forms of public transport, a mask must be worn aboard ferries.


Sport, training, hobby education and activities, refresher training, and youth work

The order stipulates in more detail that in the field of hobby education and activities, youth work, refresher training and education, as well as in sports and training, there is no limit on the number of participants in connection with infection controls for children and young people under the age of 18. Activities must be carried out in compliance with the dispersal and disinfection and ventilation requirements, and other measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

If the number of participants exceeds the established number, all participants from the age of 18 will be subject to infection control from 9 August in these areas. This means that in sports, training, hobby activities and education, refresher training and courses for young people and adults over the age of 18, all participant must prove their infection safety if there are more than 50 participants indoors and more than 100 people outdoors.

The Government Communication Unit will publish the order and the explanatory memorandum on the website kriis.ee; the order will also be published by Riigi Teataja.