"Live queue" element in Covid-19 vaccination process should be introduced on a daily basis - Karins

RIGA - The "live queue" element in the process of vaccination against Covid-19 should be introduced on a daily basis, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told Latvian Radio on Wednesday.

Evaluating the "live queue" approach implemented this past weekend, Karins admitted that he would like to introduce the "live queue" element in the vaccination process on a daily basis to avoid situations when those in the priority groups do not arrive for vaccination.

"I don't think it will be long before it becomes part of the daily routine. If the vaccination process doesn't go smoothly enough, then we need to find a way to speed it up, and the 'live queue' is an additional element that can help. It would also reduce frustration within those residents who are not in the priority groups, and are aware of the risk of developing Covid-19, so they want to be vaccinated," said the Prime Minister.

In the Prime Minister's view, the "live queue" principle would alleviate concerns about the accumulation of Covid-19 vaccine supplies, as those who want to be vaccinated could be vaccinated in place of those who do not.

Karins also added that the "live queue" does not mean receiving the vaccine at the expense of a person in the priority group.

As reported, more than 8,640 people were reported to have been vaccinated in the final three days of last week, when for the first time a "live queue" at mass vaccination centers was established.