Asked if the payment of downtime benefits could be resumed, the prime minister said it would be possible in the event of a rapid economic downturn or if tougher restrictions with an distinctly negative economic impact became necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The good news is that the Latvian economy is nevertheless showing "remarkable vitality" and "healthy trends", including a drop in unemployment, Kariņš said.
The prime minister noted that the government now has experience in using COVID-19 support mechanisms and it will be prepared to use them if needed.
In the interview he also advised coalition party the National Alliance not to proceed with a planned torchlight procession in order to express its patriotism given the potential risk to public health this poses in the current environment.
