Covid-19, Estonia, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Medicine, Tourism, Transport

It said that due to the increase in the incidence of the coronavirus in Estonia, Latvia is about to add Estonia to the list of countries arrivals from where must self-isolate after entering Latvia. The regulation steps into force from 00:00 on Saturday.

An exception to the self-isolation rule is granted to persons for whom crossing the border is necessary for the performance of main duties in their job or official duties and the person possesses a document proving their employment relationship; for childcare service or obtaining of formal education in full-time education on the preschool education level; for obtaining education in full-time education on the basic education, secondary education or tertiary education level, as well as in education programs of professional kind in the fields of arts and culture; for accompanying a minor or an adult special needs student to childcare, a kindergarten or a school; for crossing the country in transit; for taking care of relatives, for the organization of a funeral or attendance of a funeral; or for receiving a healthcare service in Latvia on the referral of a doctor. 

The Latvian government has decided to enable the continuation of work related commute and free movement of individuals in the twin towns of Valga and Valka. The exemption is valid for residents of Valga and Valka provided that they have not left the territory of the municipalities of the two towns in the past 14 days. 

The additional restrictions do not affect the free movement of goods. 

When international passenger transport is used for entry into Latvia, a form has to be filled in with data about the person, also showing in which countries the person has stayed in the past two weeks. The forms are distributed and collected by the organizers of international passenger transport. 

Persons who have arrived in Latvia from a higher-risk foreign country must wear a face mask in public places in Latvia. The government recommends that such people refrain from social contacts and observe precautionary measures when fulfilling their work duties or providing services.

A person subject to the requirement of self-isolation may leave their place of stay wearing a face mask to return to their country of residence or change their place of stay. Before leaving the place of self-isolation for returning to their country of residence or changing the place of self-isolation, the person must inform the Latvian police.