Latvian government adopts new Covid-19 regulations

RIGA - The government today adopted the new Covid-19 regulations that will replace the current Cabinet of Ministers regulations No. 360.

The new regulations will make the epidemiological requirements and restrictions simpler, more understandable, at the same time, providing that representatives of certain jobs will have the duty to get vaccinated. The regulations also describe the services that can be provided only to people with valid Covid-19 certificates or negative tests.

The new regulations provide that vaccination is required in jobs in the education sector, including in preschool, elementary and secondary education, higher education, informal and teacher training programs, for students in colleges and universities, and service providers in education who are in contact with students and pupils.

The new regulations provide that all indoor services, except for essential services, such as postal or medical services, will be provided in the "safe" or "partly safe" environment with valid Covid-19 certificates or negative Covid-19 tests.

The regulations do not refer to retail - all retail services will be provided in "unsafe environment". Health Minister Daniels Pavluts (For Development) said that restrictions would be necessary also in retail, and an agremeent on this will soon be reached with the Economics Ministry.

The new regulations do not refer to private events - up to 20 people are still allowed to meet indoors and up to 50 people outdoors in "unsafe environment".

Employers will be able to introduce requirements for vaccination of employees if their job involves direct contact with clients and other employees.

The new regulations will come into force on October 11.