While Latvia and Estonia have comparatively similar coronavirus rates at present, restrictions are noticeably stricter south of the border, ETV news show Aktuaalne kaamera (AK) reported Sunday. The Valga-Valka bubble remains in place, however.
Experts in Latvia are being increasingly asked why the coronavirus restrictions differ from those of the other two Baltic states and other countries, AK reported, with the answer from some being collective responsibility.
Uga Dumpis, Latvia s chief infections specialist, told AK that: Norway and Finland have been able to control their infections with fewer restrictions than we have, due to the public being united.
Police patrols on both sides of the boarder were visibly stepped-up on Sunday, AK reported, with the Latvian force paying even more attention on whether those entering from Estonia have filled in a coronavirus declaration form electronically.
(Latvian Public Broadcasting) If within ten days the COVID-19 infection rates do not show signs of coming under control, travel restrictions around Latvia will have to be introduced, said Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš at a press conference December 17.
“If we cannot improve the situation within ten days, then we will be forced to go into full-spectrum travel restrictions, but neither I, the government, nor the public want it. We have the opportunity not to go in that direction. I call for everyone to come together for three weeks. Withstand, limit, change [the situation] with joint forces,” said Kariņš.
PM Kariņš: if rates do not improve, there will be movement bans eng.lsm.lv - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eng.lsm.lv Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
(LTV Ziņu dienesta korespondente) Government decided on December 17 to extend school holidays by one week for grades 1 to 6.
This means that the winter holiday for grades 1 to 6 will last until January 8. This was decided along with other epidemiological safety rules coming in force December 21.
No higher education classes will be allowed to take place on site, including practical lessons individually. The only exception is clinical practice for medical students.
Later, Education Minister Ilga Šuplinska told Latvian Television it would be advisable that schools work in two shifts in the future, separating the younger and older pupils. According to epidemiologist Uga Dumpis, younger pupils have a much lower rate of infection and risk of transmission. Separating age groups might allow older pupils to return to schools gradually.
PM Kariņš: if infection rates do not show progress, there will be movement bans eng.lsm.lv - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eng.lsm.lv Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.