Liene Cipule, chief of the emergency medical service (NMPD), invited residents of Latvia to celebrate Midsummer “in their own bubbles” together with family and friends instead of big crowds with strangers. She acknowledged that the incidence of Covid-19 in Latvia is decreasing, with relatively fewer people admitted to hospitals, but there are still 10-15 people hospitalized daily.
“I would also like to call on people to avoid places with large numbers of people and unknown people, and nevertheless to celebrate [the festival] in their bubbles with our friends, family members about whom we know – either they have overcome [Covid-19] or they have been vaccinated,” the head of the service told Latvian Television.
Cipule acknowledged that she was worried about the holidays, not only because of the potential spread of Covid-19. The holidays are long this year and the weather is very good, which could mean people grilling while fire hazard is high, swimming under the influence of alcohol.
Drunk driving is another persistent issue every Midsummer. Starting June 22, the police will patrol roads intensively, not only in busy cities but also in remote corners. The police will pay extra attention to drunk driving all through the holiday, until June 28.
