Government approves Health Ministry's plan for tackling possible Covid-19 epidemic in the fall

RIGA - The Cabinet of Ministers on Thursday supported the Health Ministry's plan to prepare the healthcare system for a possible increase in Covid-19 incidence this coming fall.

Based on the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control projections, the Health Ministry has prepared three most likely scenarios, ranging from seasonal infections to uncontrollable spread of the coronavirus, which would pose significant threat to society and the healthcare sector.

The plan provides for set of measures in each scenario, which deal with provision of healthcare services, Covid-19 tests and vaccines, quarantine requirements, additional security measures.

In order to reduce the impact of the epidemic expected this fall and the need for security measures, the Health Ministry recommends all ministries, as well as companies and other organizations to take a series of preparatory measures in time. This means being ready for wearing masks and respirators, testing of employees and customers, ventilation of premises.

Vaccination of seniors and risk groups against Covid-19 is to start in September.

Minister of Health Daniels Pavluts (Development/For) said that already in August or September Latvia would receive new, improved vaccines for Covid-19.

"IT systems have been integrated and adjusted, we have prepared for vaccination of risk groups," said Pavluts, adding that work was still under way on the development of a list of residents who should be the first to get vaccinated.