Epidemiological situation is dangerous, therefore we cannot afford to take steps towards easing restrictions - Pavluts

RIGA - The epidemiological situation in connection with the spread of Covid-19 is unstable and dangerous, therefore we cannot afford to take further steps towards easing restrictions, Health Minister Daniels Pavluts (For Development/For) said after the weekly coalition meeting on Monday.

Pavluts noted that Covid-19 incidence figures climbed on weekend.

The health minister informed that last week Covid-19 vaccines were given to more than 43,000 people and that large batches of Covid-19 vaccines are due to arrive in Latvia this week. The vaccination rate will be further increased, the minister said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said that there is no reason for a significant change in safety measures and restrictions, as the incidence of Covid-19 is slowly increasing in the country. He said that this week the government will consider all issues related to the Covid-19 situation, but from what can be seen at the moment, the prime minister sees no basis for a significant change in the restrictions.

"The main thing we need to avoid is a sharp rise in the third wave, which would lead to more human casualties, further overburden our healthcare system and severely damage the economy," he said, stressing the need to do everything possible to prevent the virus from spreading even more and try to reduce incidence.

According to him, it is important that everyone participates in the voluntary and free vaccination process, because acquiring herd immunity is a way out of this crisis.

Karins also added that the coalition partners did not address any issues related to the Covid-19 pandemic, as this will be considered today, listening to experts who will provide more insight into their recommendations. The Prime Minister emphasized that there will be more clarity on these matters today.

He also reiterated that he did not see how, in such circumstances, when the infection rate is rising, a decision could be made that would encourage more people to gather, as this was the most dangerous thing to do now. "The virus is contagious and still dangerous. I do not expect us to take further steps for any kind of easing of restrictions tomorrow, because the infection indicators are not appropriate for this," said Karins.

As reported, Latvia confirmed 220 new Covid-19 cases and four persons died of the coronavirus on Sunday, according to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).

Latvia's cumulative 14-day number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 population rose slightly from 404.1 to 404.6. On April 7, the figure had dropped to 330.6 cases per 100,000 population.