The Prime Minister said that Latvia is currently experiencing the second wave of COVID-19 infection, which is higher in terms of infection rates than in the spring. The Latvian government has chosen a way to break the transmission chain of the virus by observing a two-meter distance, regularly washing hands and wearing face masks in public places indoors.
“Without public participation, we will not defeat this virus,” the Prime Minister said.
He acknowledged that possible punishments for those who fail to comply with certain precautions are currently being worked on. No decisions have yet been taken, though.
“We have not made any such decisions yet, but if there must be punishments in order to ensure that everyone [complies with precautions], then reluctantly I will also support it,” said Kariņs.
At the same time, he expressed hope that the public would be conscientious and comply with the precautionary measures as it did in the spring.
"In spring, with co-operation, we passed the first wave. Now with cooperation, I'm sure we can beat the second wave," said Kariņš.