Covid-19, Culture, EU – Baltic States, Forum, Latvia, Legislation

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The Culture Ministry, which worked out the amendments, argued that in order ensure a timely exchange of the sold tickets at the start of the new season for cultural establishments like theaters, concert halls and the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, a new regulation for social distancing is needed so that the exchange of the tickets can be carried out in line with the new rules.

After consulting with the Health Ministry, the Culture Ministry has drafted new regulations which no longer include the requirement to ensure at least four square meters of floor space per person in museums, libraries, cultural centers, exhibition halls, open-air venues, theaters, concert halls, cinemas if the audience remains seated during the event.

At the same time, only two people from different households and up to four members of the same household will be allowed to sit side by side at such events.

A one-meter distance or a protective barrier has to be provided between every two or four seats. On leaving the seat, the person has to follow the two-meter distancing requirement.

The Culture Ministry indicated that data on personalized seats will be stored for one month to ensure epidemiologists can track down contacts if necessary.

The requirement to ensure the necessary precautionary measures at cultural events will also remain in force.