Gradual changes in use of Covid-19 certificates can be discussed when we are at peak of omicron wave - official

  • 2022-02-02
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - Gradual changes in the use of Covid-19 certificates can be discussed when Latvia is at the peak of the omicron wave, which would mean that the delta variant has disappeared, said prime minister's parliamentary secretary Evika Silina (New Unity) at the Saeima defense, internal affairs and corruption prevention committee meeting today.

Asked by MP Maris Mozvillo (For Humane Latvia) about the current Covid-19 certificates, she said that in February the exit strategy will be prepared, and the issue on the "green" and "red" zones in use of certificates is on the agenda.

Silina said that Latvia is still behind other European countries by omicron incidence.

"Unfortunately, there are still people in hospitals with Covid-19 delta variant. When we have data that delta has been overtaken by omicron and we are at omicron peak, we can discuss the issue of certificates. Of course, not everything will change at once, it will be done step by step," she said.

As reported, the requirement for Covid-19 certificates may be lifted in certain instances in Latvia, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) said on Tuesday.

"The question is about the use of the certificates in the country, under what conditions they should or should not be used. It is possible that we will have to look into this," said Karins.

Due to the omicron variant, the number of new Covid-19 cases has been rising steeply, affecting different industries and sectors, but fortunately, the strain on hospitals has subsided, said Karins.