However, unlike the Doomsday scenario recently dreamed up for Daugavpils by the BBC, Lacplesis' decree is directed at controlling the spread of influenza in the city, not insurgency.
Daugavpils Mayor Janis Lacplesis has signed a decree ordering common-sense measures to limit the spread of influenza through the city, Daugavpils City Council told LETA.
The mayoral decree lays down measures to be observed by educational, healthcare, and social care institutions, and restrictions on public events in the city.
Until the flu epidemic ends, Daugavpils Regional Hospital will not allow visitors, except relatives who wish to visit seriously-ill patients.
According to the Disease Prevention and Control Center, the number of flu cases in Daugavpils exceeds the epidemiological threshold more than one-and-a-half times - there were 174.9 influenza cases per 100,000 residents in Daugavpils last week.
A total of 79 people were hospitalized for influenza in Daugavpils last week. Most are children up to 14 years old.
Experts note that influenza is particularly dangerous to little children, pregnant women, elderly residents, and residents with chronic diseases.
In order to reduce the risk of catching the flu, it is important to lead a healthy life style, maintain personal hygiene, ventilate rooms on a regular basis, avoid crowded places, dress appropriately when going outside.
Maybe the BBC could assemble a group of former top doctors and epidemiologists, lock them in an empty hospital ward and dramatize the whole thing? It's sure-fire ratings winner!
