The government confirmed the decision officially on November 30.
It was previously stipulated that self rapid antigen testing would be mandatory for everyone working onsite. Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš said Monday that there is no clarity on the introduction of Covid-19 rapid antigen tests, including the procedures for handouts and access to tests for residents. Therefore, the government will abolish the requirement for all onsite workers to carry out Covid-19 self-tests at least twice a week.
Ilze Indriksone (National Alliance) said that politicians agreed – “the mandatory requirement turns into a recommendation”. Employers will be able to choose themselves whether to screen employees, Indriksone said.
Self-tests are already in use, for example, in educational establishments, and it is therefore recommended that they be introduced to other workplaces. The Prime Minister stressed that the aim of the tests is to “not get us into another lockdown”. Several companies are already using rapid antigen tests.
The testing will be paid for by the employer as opposed to the state.