Even if the virus spreads, the industry will survive the autumn; concerns about next year / Article / LSM.lv

Even if the epidemiological situation in the country deteriorates, the cultural sector will be able to survive this autumn, but the uncertainty about next year is worrying, the Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis (National Association) emphasized in the LTV program “Morning Panorama”.

The Minister stated: “I am absolutely sure of this autumn – speaking yesterday also with our subordinate institutions – we can survive this autumn even if conditions deteriorate. The same goes for the private sector. “

The Minister reminded that funding is still available for private cultural institutions, as well as another competition is planned in the support program for self-employed persons.

“What will happen in the first three months of next year really worries me,” the minister said. “But I don’t think I’m the only one. I think this worries any minister, the government as a whole. No one can predict how the pandemic will develop. “

Explaining the restrictions on amateur art groups, which are valid until November 6, the Minister noted: “Amateur art is a Song Festival process, and it is undeniably the foundation of our country. However, if we are to weigh the dangers that amateur art can pose in such an outbreak of a pandemic, we must make that decision. ”

He pointed out that amateur art groups meet people from various other “social bubbles” that pose a risk to the spread of Covid-19.

“Perhaps we really need to ‘grit our teeth’, we have to endure these three weeks so that this pandemic does not turn into professional art, as is unfortunately already the case.” happened at the opera, ”The Minister emphasized.

Puntulis also said that despite the current restrictions on the activities of amateur art groups, the National Cultural Center is working on the development of guidelines for rehearsals and concerts of amateur art groups in preparation for the students’ song and dance festival.

CONTEXT:

In Latvia on June 10 ended Emergency to declare the new coronavir announced on 12 March. The virus is still circulating and there is no medicine or vaccine for it. Certain restrictions still apply to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

The situation was stable during the summer, but at the end of September the incidence rose sharply and the 14-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 population exceeded 25 cases. Queues for Covid-19 tests are also increasing, and asymptomatic people are already invited not to report the test.

In response to the spread of the disease, the government decided that face masks are mandatory in public transport from 7 October. On October 13, the government decided that masks should also be worn in public placesstaying more than 15 minutes. Currently in Latvia public events Up to 500 people can gather indoors, up to 1000 in the open air. In private events, 30 can gather indoors and 300 outdoors.

From October 17 to November 6, classes and rehearsals in interest education and vocational education programs, as well as for amateur art groups, will take place remotely, but individual classes may be organized in person. It is also stated that no interregional measures will be taken within the framework of interests or vocational training to prevent the transfer of Covid-19 from high-prevalence regions.

To overcome the crisis caused by Covid-19 and economic recovery, investment in culture was decided to allocate 32 million euros: € 10.6 million to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic public cultural institutions and support for creative people; EUR 10.4 million for modernization measures in the cultural sector – public procurement of new cultural assets, as well as EUR 11 million for cultural infrastructure.

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