Special notice: as of tomorrow, movement restrictions between the islands and the mainland Estonia will be lifted

Tallinn, Stenbock House, 7 May 2020 – the person in charge of the emergency situation, Prime Minister Mr Jüri Ratas, signed an order which, as of tomorrow, lifts the requirement regarding the place of residence registered in the Population Register in order to travel between the islands and the mainland Estonia.

Based on the order in force from May 4, people who have a permanent residence on the island, or a registered additional address, or an address of stay were able to move between the islands of Saaremaa, Muhumaa, Hiiumaa, Vormsi, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Manija and the mainland Estonia. Immediate members of their family were also allowed to travel.

As of tomorrow, the restriction on freedom of movement will be lifted, people can travel feely between the islands and the mainland Estonia, and from one island to another, regardless of their place of residence. Since the risk of spreading the coronavirus due to movement between the islands and the mainland has decreased considerably, lifting the movement restriction is a proportional response.

The general 2+2 rule remains in force: in a public space, up to two people can be together and a 2-metre distance must be maintained from everybody else. The movement between the islands and the mainland has been opened gradually, to prevent a new outbreak of the virus. If the COVID-19 outbreak situation worsens, the Government may change its decision.

The media must publish the order of the person in charge of the emergency situation without delay, unchanged and free of charge. Official notification will follow.