Covid-19, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Society

"We are planning the state of emergency until June 9 and then we are planning to call it off. Of course, we will decide what restrictions are necessary after that date," the prime minister said.

In Karins' words, Latvia is looking to harmonize its Covid-19 restrictions with the two other Baltic states which have reopened their internal borders for travel, but Latvian epidemiologists' recommendations will be the main thing the government will take into consideration when deciding on extending or lifting the restrictions.

"We have been listening to epidemiologists' advice from day one, and I think that we will continue to do so," Karins said.

Asked if different restrictions introduced in the Baltic states could have an adverse effect on the competitiveness of Latvian enterprises, the prime minister said that this of course is being assessed, but that it is also necessary to take care of public security and health and find the best midway solution.

Karins indicated that leaders of all European Union (EU) member states are looking for the best way of reopening the bloc's internal borders as soon as  possible, allowing 500 million people to travel freely, which would help the economy to recover faster. "Unfortunately, this is not yet possible because the Covid-19 incidence differs significantly cross various European countries," the prime minister said. 

Commenting on the restrictions that will remain in place in Latvia after the state of emergency ends, Karins said that first of all this might be the requirement to follow the physical distancing rule, i.e., keeping a two meter distance from other people. "If we keep this two meter distance, the possibility of transmitting the infection from one person to another significantly reduces. In any case we will continue to wash our hands and keep the two meter distance," the prime minister said. 

Asked to specify whether the requirement to follow particular safety guidelines will be included in a new law, Karins said that work on the new regulation is currently under way. "Tomorrow [May 28] we should review it in the government and then forward it to Saeima," the premier said.

Karins said that the new legislation would include a provision temporary authorizing the government to take various measures necessary to deal with the consequences of Covid-19 in order "to protect people's lives and health".