Covid-19, Crisis, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Medicine

The 1,498,000 protective masks were delivered under the contract concluded by the State Center for Defense Military Objects and Procurement. The value of the contract is EUR 988,680, excluding value added tax. 

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry's State Center for Defense Military Objects and Procurement continues work on further personal protective equipment (PPE) purchases. Last week, Defense Ministry spokesman Janis Garisons told the press that as part of the efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19 there are also plans to conclude agreements on the purchase of 50,000 respirators and disinfection products. 

Garisons warned earlier that given the huge demand for protective masks in the world, transportation represents the greatest challenge as some countries refuse to permit such deliveries. 

The purchase of PPE has been paid with money from Latvia's contingency funds. 

Martins Baltmanis, deputy head of the State Fire and Rescue Service, said earlier that Latvia would need more than 600,000 surgical masks and 200,000 respirators a week.

Emergency services would also need around 100,000 hazmat suits a week, he said. 

As reported, the State Center for Defense Military Objects and Procurement has been tasked with making the centralized purchases of PPE and disinfection products and ensure their storage, creating a reserve for at least three months. 

The State Fire and Rescue Service will be keeping a list of prioritized institutions and their procurement needs, while the National Health Service and other health experts will assist with setting quality standards for PPE and disinfection products.