PM does not agree with claims that government's decisions on imposing stricter restrictions were delayed

  • 2021-10-13
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) does not agree with the public allegations that the government's decisions on stricter restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19 have been delayed because they were decided on only after hearing all the sides involved in the discussions and their recommendations.

In an interview with Latvian Television this morning, the Prime Minister emphasized that the main thing now is to stay calm, because the decisions taken to limit the spread of Covid-19 have not been delayed. "I believe that the approved restrictions are balanced after listening to all the experts and their recommendations. Everyone must understand that there are different interests in society, and for me, as the head of government, my main priority is to protect human health and life," said Karins.

He reminded that the stricter restrictions are aimed at the unvaccinated population of Latvia and this coincides with the government's long-term strategy.

"To those who ask why the situation here is different than in Denmark, Norway or Ireland, I would say that almost everyone in these countries has been vaccinated. In a meeting with the leaders of these countries, I have asked how they have achieved such a large vaccination coverage in their countries, but they reply with confusion as to why such a question is being asked, because they have not had to face such challenges in the vaccination process when the public opposes vaccination. Because of this, we still have restrictions, while they are already living in freedom," the prime minister added.

However, the Prime Minister emphasized that the decision on stricter restrictions was also based on a mathematical analysis of the current wave of the virus. Expert forecasts have come true, and the government is following them, because the increase in infection rates and hospital overcrowding is as expected. For example, the Minister of Health yesterday stated that they will be prepared for overcrowded hospitals, and will attract additional resources by partly involving the private healthcare sector.

"Any crisis shows weaknesses. In this pandemic we see shortcomings in the healthcare system, but also in people's understanding of their health. We still have a lot to do here," he said.

As reported, the government has declared a state of emergency until January 11, as well as additional restrictions with the aim to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19 in the country.