On Friday, September 4, the government adopted amendments to the BOM rules *, applying a special framework in the border area, so that people who, for example, work daily or learn in Lithuania or Estonia could continue to do so if the morbidity in neighbouring countries increased. . This was an important issue, since the increased incidence of Covid-19 in neighbouring countries could be the case that the 14-day self-isolation should be respected by all those returning from Lithuania and Estonia. s. This indicator has not yet been reached.
Recent national morbidity data show that neither Lithuania nor Estonia have reached the disease level, which requires 14 days of self-isolation to be observed when returning from these countries (in Lithuania, the 14-day Covid-19 incidence rate is 15.7, in Estonia -15.9). This time, by updating the data, epidemiologists have contacted their Lithuanian and Estonian counterparts to find out the most recent data. . The European Centre for Disease and Prevention uses previous-day data to be used for other countries.
If morbidity increases in neighbouring countries, the government's decision stipulates that persons living in the border area of Latvia who go to work or educational establishment in Lithuania or Estonia will be able to continue to do so. . At the same time, these persons are in Latvia, for example, when returning to work, the principles of self-isolation should be observed.
This means that these persons will be able to travel freely to Estonia and Lithuania, as well as back to Latvia in the following cases:
- in order to fulfil their duties in Lithuania or Estonia (if a document certifying the facts of employment can be produced);
- in order to receive child monitoring services or to visit a pre-school educational institution (if a certified statement issued by the service provider or educational establishment can be produced);
- to attend educational establishments as well as educational rallies of interests (if a statement issued by an educational institution can be produced);
- to accompany persons with special needs to an educational institution, such as schools and nursery schools, as well as interest education (if a statement issued by the institution can be presented to a person);
- in order to receive a medical-appointed health care service that is not available in the territory of Latvia.
Persons will also be able to cross the State border if it is necessary to organise or attend a funeral. . Nor will it be necessary to respect self-isolation for persons who will cross Latvia in transit. This means that persons travelling in transit will have to cross the territory of Latvia for a maximum of 12 hours without accommodation on the territory of Latvia.
When returning to Latvia, for example, in the evening following the performance of their duties in Lithuania or Estonia, these persons should respect the following additional safety principles: ther persons should be avoided at risk of being infected, which means not taking guests, not organising or attending private appointments, not visiting public and public places and rooms where many people reside. . The exception is, for example, the workplace or situations relating to the above-mentioned cases for crossing the border;
- when carrying out work duties or providing a service, the precautionary measures shall be taken;
- cover of the mouth and nose must be used when staying in public places;
- if any signs of respiratory infectious disease occur, immediate self-isolation should be provided and contact your doctor.
It should be stressed that these requirements have not yet to be applied, but this will be the order if the disease in neighbouring countries grows.
The government also agreed to extend to Lithuania and Estonia the approach of estimating the rate of increase in morbidity in excess of 16 per 100 000 inhabitants – if it does not exceed 10% compared to the previous week, the epidemiological situation will be observed for another week in order to apply certain restrictions. . Estonia and Lithuania have also committed to the same arrangements against Latvia.
The Covid-19 list of national morbidity rates will be available today on the website of the SPCC: https://www.spkc.gov.lv/lv/valstu-disease-raditaji-ar-covid-19-0 and updated every Friday and takes effect on Saturday, at .00 .00.
* Amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. of 9 June 2020 .360 'epidemiological security measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 infection'
Anna Strapcāne
VM Communications Officer
Phone: 60005509; 28346707
Email: anna.strapcane@vm.gov.lv