Head of the Saeima Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee Juris Rancāns (New Conservative Party), which is responsible for the passage of the bill, said:
"The version of the bill supported in the first reading set a transitional period until 1 October. Of course, we will be able to discuss this transitional period in the Committee once all the proposals have been compiled. Either way, they are very difficult choices because everyone understands that we will have to fight Covid-19 till the end. If it comes to a political consensus that a longer transition period is needed, then it will probably be extended," said Rancāns.
The government has supported mandatory Covid-19 certificates in medical, social-care and educational institutions as of October 1. In other sectors, however, if an employee is in contact with clients or is significant for the activity of the company, employers are entitled to dismiss employees after 1 October if they have no Covid-19 certificate.