Pre-school institutions

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What to do if a child attending kindergarten is a close contact?

Close contacts are recommended to monitor their health closely, do a rapid test and remain home immediately if symptoms occur, and contact the family doctor if necessary. If possible, the Health Board recommends that close contacts stay home for five days.

Important: all persons (including those who have been vaccinated) have to remain home if any symptoms occur, do a rapid test if possible, and contact their family doctor if necessary.

Last updated: 16.09.2022 11:44

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What restrictions apply in kindergartens and child care facilities?

There are no restrictions. Kindergartens may continue their regular wor, using precautions where necessary.

The instructions of the Ministry of Education and Research on how to organise the work of kindergartens and child care facilities can be found on the web page of the ministry (in Estonian, see "JUHISED lasteaedadele ja -hoidudele").

Last updated: 15.09.2022 16:41

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How should daily activities be organised in kindergartens?

The Ministry of Education and Research recommends:

to spend as much time as possible outside with the children
in the conditions of extensive spread of the virus, to follow the so-called bubbles principle if possible and carry all activities out in fixed and permanent groups.
in the conditions of the spread of the virus, to organise events and excursions outdoors and in permanent groups, the so-called bubbles, if possible.
to avoid the contacts of children and kindergarten or child care workers of different groups with each other in the common spaces of the kindergarten or child care facility if possible.
in kindergartens and child care facilities where the meals of children take place in a dining hall, to spread out the meal times so that there would be fewer children in the room; if possible, to organise catering so that different groups would not come in contact with each other or would keep a distance.

Important! It is most definitely not allowed to bring symptomatic children to kindergarten or child care.

More specific instructions for kindergartens and child care facilities can be found on the web page of the Ministry of Education and Research hm.ee/et/koroona (in Estonian, see "JUHISED lasteadadele ja -hoidudele")

Last updated: 16.09.2022 11:57

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Does the transfer of children have to be organised outside?

In the case of extensive spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Education and Research recommends to not allow third persons inside the building without good grounds, if possible, and to organise the transfer of children outdoors, if possible. Supporting children coming to the kindergarten for the first time also needs to be thought through.

The solutions should be based on the particular child care institution and what is possible for it.

Last updated: 16.09.2022 12:25

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Is it allowed to organize educational activities, including hobby activities, where children from several groups participate at once?

Yes, the activities of hobby groups are not prohibited.

Last updated: 16.09.2022 12:28

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Should the employees of kindergartens or child care facilities wear personal protective equipment?

It is recommended that unvaccinated employees wear a mask. We recommend that all adults wear a mask at events where it is not possible to keep a distance and in situations where children from different groups come into contact with each other.

Last updated: 22.09.2021 20:32

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More information about the coronavirus and restrictions related to it is available calling 1247 (from abroad +372 600 1247).