The Rimi Rīga marathon, which would have gathered around 15,000 runners, will not now take place. Though organizers had maintained that safety measures would be observed so that there is no crowding, many criticized this on social media.
Disease Prevention and Control Center (SPKC) infectologist Jurijs Perevoščikovs said Friday that especially young children should not participate but that SPKC had no right to cancel anything, merely recommend the plan of action and wait for the organizers' response.
Prime Minister Krišjānis Karinš, backed by Interior Minister, Economics Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed concern about the possible crowding and spread of COVID-19 and decided to cancel the event. Organizer Aigars Nords said he would respect any governmental decision but expects compensation in these circumstances.
