Covid-19 restrictions to remain in force until February 7

RIGA - The restrictions that have been imposed in Latvia to contain the spread of Covid-19 will remain in force until February 7, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told journalists Tuesday.

At a joint meeting on Tuesday, the government and the Crisis Management Council agreed in principle to leave the Covid-19 restrictions in place, but the government is expected to take the final decision on the restrictions at its meeting on Thursday, January 21.

Karins noted that Covid-19 incidence has started showing signs of stabilization this week but that the situation in hospitals still remains critical. 

"Taking this into account, it was decided to extend the current restrictions until February 7, while junior schoolchildren will resume distance learning from next Monday," Karins said, adding that this Thursday, the government will decide on extending the existing restrictions, not introducing new ones. 

Finance Minister Janis Reirs (New Unity) added that night curfews on weekends will also remain in force until February 7. 

To contain the spread of Covid-19, a state of emergency has been declared and a number of restrictions introduced in Latvia from November 9 until February 7.

However, some of the restrictions are effective until January 25, including the curfew and certain restrictions on services and retail trade, as well as education.

The restrictions effective until January 25 include beauty care services, sports equipment rent in indoor settings and photography services, except for making photos for documents, entertainment and wellness services, as well as driven hunting.