The big unknown is whether there will be a new wave or new strains of the Covid-19 virus in the autumn - Pavluts

  • 2022-03-10
  • LETA/TBT Staff

RIGA - As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, the big unknown is whether the virus will return in the autumn for another wave and in what form/strain, Minister of Health Daniels Pavluts (For Development) told Latvian Radio this morning.

The Minister noted that it is difficult to make predictions about the future spread of Covid-19, as the virus has surprised everyone so far. Specialists are concerned that persons who have recovered from the omicron strain will be protected only from strains and not from other Covid-19 strains.

Pavluts emphasized that the health department will closely monitor the situation and see what action will be needed.

The politician admitted that currently the most difficult moment in regards to the spread of Covid-19 in Latvia is ''behind us and it seems that we have won this fight". The Minister noted that the situation at hospitals was also improving, with a reduction in the number of Covid-19 patients observed. The bad news is that there has been a slight increase in mortality, but the minister also hopes that the situation here will also improve in the near future. He noted that a similar situation has been observed in all countries with high prevalence of the omicron strain.

Pavluts emphasized that the government is sticking to the plan that from April Latvia will almost completely abandon the Covid-19 certificate system, the renewal of which would be considered only in exceptional circumstances.