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On Thursday, the government will decide on certain additional restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19, while the draft amendments currently being prepared by the ministry will propose to tighten retail restrictions, but they would not affect food or basic necessities.

It is also planned to extend students' winter holidays, as well as to ban all activities that "can be skipped for a few weeks in the interests of general health", such as indoor sports training, rehearsals and other activities.

The Ministry of Health does not envisage restrictions on gatherings, moreover, it is not planned to prohibit to hold protests during the emergency situation. Expressing her personal opinion, Vinkele said that freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution, therefore people should be provided with such an opportunity.

"Whatever the recent experiences we have had, this should be maintained. But if there are concerns that potential protesters do not intend to comply with the rules, then this will be a matter in the issuing of permits and control mechanisms," the minister said.

As reported, the government has agreed on harsher restrictions for curbing Covid-19 as of December 21, but the final decision will be made on Thursday, December 17.

The joint government and the Crisis Management Council meeting yesterday discussed harsher restrictions.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told the press that on Thursday the government will agree on new restrictions that will come into force on December 21 and will be effective for three weeks.

According to Karins, the new restrictions will not refer people's mobility.

At the same time, the government plans to decide on extending school holidays for one week.

Also, recommendations for safe Christmas for families will be prepared.

The prime minister said that, according to what medical experts say, the situation in health care sector can be described as "war-time medicine" as hospitals are forced to reduce the range of services due to the growing number of Covid-19 patients.

"We lose ten lives a day due to Covid," said Karins.