On Tuesday, 15 December, at the joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Crisis Management Council, the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic in Latvia and the limited possibilities of the healthcare system to provide care to patients with a severe course of illness were assessed. It is concluded that the spread of the virus imposes such a heavy burden on healthcare institutions and such a great risk to society that additional safety measures need to be introduced in the near future to reduce the spread of the virus rapidly in order to be able to ease restrictions as soon as possible.
At the joint meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Crisis Management Council, various action scenarios were considered for how Latvian citizens and entrepreneurs, receiving the necessary state support, can fight Covid-19 together, following the usual principles - strictly assessing risks, avoiding gathering and maintaining distancing, protecting themselves and others.
In the course of discussions government came to a consensus that everyone should be able to use the quiet, peaceful holiday season, work and school holidays to take a significant step towards victory over Covid-19 together. However, additional security measures have not yet been approved.
The Cabinet of Ministers is scheduled to continue discussions and make a decision on the exact holiday regime in Latvia this Thursday, 17 December. Until then, experts need to adjust a number of norms to provide the population with the opportunity to buy the basic commodities so everyone can have clarity on how to celebrate this Christmas and New Year’s Eve safely, reaching the common goal - a stronger and healthier Latvia next year. It is not planned to consider restrictions on freedom of movement in the talks.
The Cabinet of Ministers also approved the allocation of funds to those companies affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure cash flow, estimating that support will be needed in the amount of approximately 70 million euros. Support payments to companies will be paid by the State Revenue Service to those companies that apply in accordance with the conditions.
Strengthening Latvia's ability to successfully control Covid-19, the Cabinet of Ministers approved an informative report prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science on the establishment of an accredited laboratory for testing personal protective equipment in Latvia. Its establishment will cost approximately two million euros and the laboratory will be developed in association with the resources of Riga Technical University.
The Cabinet of Ministers also clarified the system of procurement of personal protective equipment so that in 2021, reusable face masks will be available to both students and teachers when returning to school. They will be purchased on a centralised basis and delivered to educational institutions through municipalities.
Reinis Grāvītis
Press Secretary of the Cabinet of Ministers
Telephone: +371 67082919; +371 27011868;
E-mail: reinis.gravitis@mk.gov.lv