Decisions on specific schools or classes to switch to remote studies are planned to be made in a decentralized manner this year - Karins

RIGA - This school year, decisions on certain schools or classes to switch to distance learning in certain periods, when education can no longer be continued face-to-face spot due to the spread of Covid-19, are planned to be made in a decentralized manner, ie the decision will be entrusted to certain schools or municipalities, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told Latvian Radio today.

He mentioned that this year, unlike last year, there are several classes where all children have been vaccinated, as well as several classes where no one has been vaccinated, so decisions should be made on the basis of specific circumstances and will be more flexible in a decentralized way. At the same time, Karins expressed that the common goal of the government is to continue full-time studies throughout the year.

"In my opinion, this would not be a decision that we should make centrally, but such a decision would be best made on the spot," said Karins.

He hoped that younger pupils who do not have access to any Covid-19 vaccine registered in the European Union (EU) would, like last year's kindergarten pupils, still be able to maintain full-time education, for example by closing a school or class if necessary, but later switching to face-to-face learning again.

Karins noted that despite the Covid-19 outbreak, it is also planned to keep the economy open. "We are accustomed that the key is how many people are infected, but in fact the key will be whether our hospitals are able to carry out their core function and provide a wide range of services to the whole population. According to statistics, there are no very serious consequences of the infection for those that are vaccinated, they get sick but not enough to be hospitalized," said the Prime Minister.

The politician explained that economic indicators have improved, unemployment is falling, the amount of investments attracted in Latvia has also increased, which means that the country is moving in the right direction. "My goal as head of government is not to halt the economy this time - to allow the economy to develop, to allow people to work and earn a living. At the same time, we must protect the health of people for whom vaccines are intended," Karins said.

The Prime Minister rhetorically asked if this was the to halt the economy because of some people who do not wish to protect themselves. A discussion on this matter is planned for tomorrow with representatives of the business sector, who will also have the opportunity to express their views.