Latvia has been in a state of emergency since October 11, 2021. The state of emergency provides for a variety of restrictions, including the emphasis on the existence of a Covid-19 certificate in employment and services, while access to essential goods and services is available in the so-called “red mode” for all persons.
Currently, under the previous rules, aid to entrepreneurs due to restrictions is in force by the end of January, but the Finance Minister Jānis Reirs (New Unity) called for a decision on further support next week. In his opinion, it would also be useful to talk about opening up the economy altogether. Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš confirmed that if a sector is closed due to the rules of Covid-19, the government is committed to supporting it.
The Ministry of Health explained that the current restrictions are not yet to be lifted, as a rapid increase in Covid-19 morbidity is expected in Latvia in the near future due to the spread of the variant Omicron.
Although Covid-19 Omicron is less likely to lead to severe symptoms, the effectiveness of the vaccine is lower. A very high incidence rate risks many unvaccinated people at high risk for severe Covid-19 symptoms, which could lead to a rapid influx of patients at hospitals.
