Larger Cities in Estonia Void of People Following State of Emergency
It is a week into the state of emergency declared in Estonia and instead of being in cities, a lot of Estonians have taken advantage of the situation and are spending time outdoors in forests and on bog hikes, although being warned to keep their distance from other hikers. As of March 19, there were 267 confirmed cases of COVID-19, while only 8 people have been hospitalized, with none of them requiring intensive care. There have been no deaths from the virus so far. A total of 2259 corona virus tests have been carried out since January 31 and most of the people with the virus are experiencing mild symptoms.
Reinsalu Pledges Support to Ukraine on Crimean Annexation Anniversary
On March 19, the sixth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu made a statement pledging Estonia’s “unwavering support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity” of Ukraine. “The international community still remembers the green men who carried Russian weapons and who later, in April 2014 were identified by Vladimir Putin himself as Russian soldiers,” Reinsalu said.
Enjoy Estonian Culture via the Internet
The current state of emergency is having a huge impact on Estonian cultural life. The Ministry of Culture has collected and will continue to compile ways to experience some of the many cultural offerings available online, to enjoy while practicing social distancing in your own home. The selection includes music, art, films, folklore and even Estonian language acquisition and practice. For a full list of available options, visit www.kul.ee/kultuurkodus (“culture at home”). Tallinn Central Library’s e-library “ELLU” https://ellu.keskraamatu-kogu.ee has been made accessible to all Estonian citizens both at home and abroad, you simply need to have an Estonian personal ID code. Register on the Keskraamatukogu main page.
