Epidemiologist Dumpis: main worry is importing new cases from abroad

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With regard to COVID-19, the main cause of concern at the moment is the possible import of the virus from other countries, the Chief Infectologist of the Ministry of Health, Uga Dumpis, told Latvian Television July 2.

He explained that the greatest risks are associated with people traveling to countries with a high incidence of COVID-19, such as Britain or Sweden. However, he said that it is also understandable that completely banning such travel could lead to negative economic or human consequences.

"It must be understood that we are really taking risks, but we are trying to do it in controllable dosages. It is extremely important to remember that people arriving from such countries must first go into self-quarantine for 14 days and they can also take free COVID-19 tests," said Dumpis, reminding that COVID-19 tests in Latvia are available free of charge for all.

The infectologist warns travelers that when planning a trip today, it is not possible to predict the epidemiological situation in the respective country or city at the time of the actual trip. It may even happen that the intended destination cannot be reached, because due to the spread of the virus, it is simply shut down, Dumpis explained, urging people to be aware of these risks before making a decision.

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