Tallinn trials vaccine ambulances

Estonia reintroduces masks in public transport, drastically reduces participation in events without infection control

Starting today, 2 August, Tallinners who wish to get quickly vaccinated against COVID-19 can call... a vaccine ambulance straight to their home or workplace. All they need to do is form a group of at least 10 people and send an e-mail to ltkhvak@keskhaigla.ee.  

Janssen vaccine offered only 

The reservation must be made at least 48 hours in advance and the request must state the address, the date, the desired time and the number of people wishing to be jabbed. In a subsequent call the applicants will be notified of the exact time of arrival of the vaccine ambulance.   

There is a caveat – the ambulance vaccinators use the single-dose Janssen vaccine, which can be administered only to people aged 18 and over. The prospective vaccinees must present an identity document. 

The aim of the pilot project launched by West Tallinn Central Hospital and the Covid-19 vaccination work group is to bring vaccines closer to the people. If the service proves successful, it can be extended to other regions of Estonia. 

As for individuals, they can still book a vaccination appointment by calling 1247 or entering the digital registry www.digilugu.ee.

Moreover, all county hospitals around Estonia this week will keep at least one vaccination cabinet open where prior registration is not required. The cabinets will be open eight hours a day, at least five days a week, and will operate until the end of September. 

Restrictions reintroduced 

From today, mask-wearing (except for under 12s) is again mandatory on public transport across Estonia, in line with last week’s government decision. The cabinet also decided on Friday to drastically limit the number of participants in events and activities where infection control measures are not implemented. 

Initially, the government has intended to allow from 2 August up to 500 people indoors and 1,500 people outdoors to take part in uncontrolled events and activities. Now, according to the latest agreement, from 9 August attendance at such events will be capped at 50 participants indoors and 100 participants outdoors. The changes will also apply to catering establishments.

Event and activity organizers may exceed the established attendance limits only if they ensure adequate infection safety and monitoring, i.e. admitting only people with Covid certificates (vaccinated, recovered or tested negative). In such cases, there may be up to 6,000 participants indoors and up to 12,000 outdoors. Given the slow vaccine rollout among young age groups, people under the age of 18 do not have to show proof of immunity.