An emergency situation is planned in Latvia to stop the rapid spread of Covid-19

On Thursday, 7 October, the Crisis Management Council reviewed action scenarios prepared by experts to halt the rapid spread of Covid-19 and minimize hospital overload. Non-vaccinated Covid-19 patients are most often required to be hospitalized, so emergency situation safety measures will have greater impact on people without a valid vaccination or recovery certificate. There is a need to reduce people-to-people contact significantly throughout society, while promoting vaccination coverage.
 
The widest restrictions will be imposed on the people who have not yet decided to use one of the Covid-19 vaccination options available throughout Latvia and expose both themselves and others to a higher risk of becoming infected with Covid-19. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the situation in the fight against Covid-19 also requires the participation of people who have a valid vaccination or recovery certificate.

 
We are grateful to every inhabitant of Latvia who has completed the vaccination against Covid-19, exceeding 45% in total! Thank you for following all the necessary safety measures on a daily basis and encouraging other people to do the same! It is now important to tolerantly and with understanding help people who have been reluctant to get vaccinated for various reasons. Responsible action by everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, is now crucial in reducing the overheating of the healthcare system. The Government understands that creating such temporary inconveniences is also a burden for people who recognize the importance of vaccination in fighting a pandemic, but at the same time calls for understanding and compliance.

 
The Government plans to review the draft order declaring a state of emergency for three months in an extraordinary session on Friday, 8 October.
 
In-person studies still remain a high priority and will continue with routine Covid-19 screening in schools. However, it is planned to reduce the processes of interest education in person.
 
Face masks must be worn by everyone in public places, including educational institutions.
 
In everyday life, and especially during emergency situation, everyone who is able to do so must only work remotely. On the other hand, those who need to work in person will require a certificate of recovery or vaccination, or, in some cases, a negative Covid-19 test. On-site and remote workers will be identified by the employer.
 
In the retail sector, non-vaccinated people will have access to only the basic needs-carrying stores. People with a vaccination or recovery certificate will also be allowed to visit other points of sales where a visitor control must be provided. Also, restrictions on working hours are planned. In shops and markets, visitors and staff must wear face masks properly.
 
It is also planned that people with a Covid-19 certificate may continue to provide and receive services in person, ensuring that epidemiological safety requirements are met.
 
In public catering, it is planned to maintain the possibility for people with a vaccination or recovery certificate to have a meal in person with a working time limit. Meals will be available for take away for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated people.
 
Only vaccinated people or people recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to take part in public events, but it should be noted that epidemiological safety requirements will also be increased there.
 
The Crisis Management Council has also conceptually agreed on the requirement for compulsory vaccination of all public administration employees - both in the central government sector and local governments.