Health Ministry proposes easing restrictions on gathering, other privileges for vaccinated people

  • 2021-05-17
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - On assessing Covid-19 transmission risks, the Health Ministry has proposed a number of privileges for vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19, including more extensive rights to assembly, attend various events, exercise and receive services, the health minister's adviser Lasma Bindere informed LETA. 

According to the Health Ministry's plan, already this week vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to gather more freely in closed and controlled environments, for instance, at workplaces and meetings. Amateur singers and dancers will be allowed to resume rehearsals and sports teams will be allowed to restart training. 

Up to 20 people will be allowed to gather in a workplace or the same room without wearing facemasks and distancing provided that they all are either vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19. In rooms that they share with other people they will still have to wear masks and follow the distancing rule.

Starting June 1, provided that the share of the immunized population grows, the government might lift the ban on various services like cosmetology services and massage. 

If at least 50 percent of the population is immunized and Covid-19 cases have dropped by June 15, restrictions will be lifted on cultural, entertainment and sporting events, conferences and educational services, indoor catering services, beauty care, fitness, wellbeing and other services. Vaccinated persons will also be allowed to visit nursing homes, prisons and medical institutions. 

The health minister's adviser indicated that work is also ongoing on convenient national and EU-level solutions for proving the fact of vaccination. A digital vaccination certificate for use in Latvia will be available as of June 1, and from June 15 these national certificates will become a part of the EU's Digital Green Certificate. 

The requirement to use face masks and keep the 2-meter distance will remain in force in places where those who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 mix with unvaccinated people like shops, public transport and elsewhere.

The Health Ministry's proposals are yet to reviewed by the Cross-sectoral Coordination Group and the Cabinet of Ministers. The government is expected to decide on the proposals on Tuesday.