TALLINN, March 15, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Estonia and Lithuania said Saturday
they will shut their borders to most foreign visitors while fellow Baltic EU
member Latvia imposed security measures of its own to stem the spread of the
novel coronavirus.
“The government has decided to temporarily reintroduce border controls on
the whole border,” Estonian Prime Minister J?ri Ratas said in a government
statement.
The measure will apply starting Tuesday in the country of 1.3 million
people which has registered 115 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Only citizens, individuals with residence permits and foreigners with a
family member in Estonia will be allowed in but will have to undergo two
weeks of isolation.
Foreigners will still be able to pass through Estonia to get to their
country provided they show no symptoms of the virus. The same goes for cargo
transporters.
There are no restrictions on leaving the country.
The government had earlier decided to close down all schools, museums,
cinemas, leisure centres, sports clubs and banned all public gatherings until
May 1.
Fellow Baltic state Lithuania for its part decided to ban foreigners from
entering the country of 2.8 million people starting 1000 GMT on Sunday, with
the exception of individuals with a residence permit, diplomatic workers and
NATO troops.
“Our goal is to delay the spread of the virus as long as possible inside
the country and to reduce the negative consequences,” Lithuanian Prime
Minister Saulius Skvernelis said Saturday.
Freight transport will not be affected, he added.
Lithuania, which has nine confirmed COVID-19 cases, has been on partial
lockdown since Friday after the government shut down all schools,
kindergartens and universities and banned large public events.
From Monday, the ban will also cover most shops, restaurants and pubs,
although food delivery will be allowed. The measure does not concern grocery
stores and pharmacies.
Skvernelis said his cabinet will approve an economic stimulus plan on
Monday worth “at least one billion euros”.
Neighbour Latvia, with a population of 1.9 million people and 26 confirmed
cases of the coronavirus, said it will suspend all international flights,
ferries, buses and trains from Monday.
“Border crossings by private car will continue, as well as international
freight and cargo flow,” Latvian Transport Minister Talis Linkaits told
reporters.
Most of the measures will apply for a couple of weeks but will likely be
prolonged according to Baltic authorities.