The regulation of the emergency situation in the country could come into force already tonight, on October 9, at the sitting of the Cabinet of Ministers, the Director of the State Chancellery Jānis Muudkovskis said.
During the meeting, the Minister of Justice Jānis Bordāns (JKP) stated that the fact that the regulation will come into force almost immediately is the right decision. The rules were previously scheduled to take effect on Monday.
Ministers and experts decided to declare a state of emergency three months in advance in the Crisis Management Council (CRM).
Intended for people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 or who have not had the disease, they will henceforth only be allowed to shop in convenience stores, thus preventing them from visiting supermarkets, for example. It has also been decided to restrict vaccinated persons – for example, additional epidemiological safety requirements will be set for activities in the “green” or safe zone, ie masks must be worn, distance must be observed, as well as certain restrictions on participants in certain activities.
At the government meeting on Friday, Kitskowski said that the outlets that can be visited by people without a Covid-19 certificate are grocery stores, pharmacies, opticians, feed stores, press outlets, hygiene shops, telecommunication shops and gas stations. These areas will have to cover an area of 25 square meters per visitor.
On the other hand, when working in safe mode, 15 square meters per visitor will have to be provided.
Egyébkovskis also revealed that only food stores, pharmacies, opticians, animal feed stores, press outlets, hygiene goods stores and telecommunication stores will be open in shopping centers on weekends and holidays. Service providers such as a shoemaker and dry cleaners will also be available.
At the same time, everyone who can do so, both in the public and private sectors, will be invited to work remotely.
Some restrictions are also expected in the area of education. Although students will continue to study face-to-face with face masks after the declaration of an emergency, the amount of interest education sessions will be significantly reduced. Teachers and students, regardless of their level of education, will be required to wear face masks in all rooms. Pupils will be tested at least once a week. Out-of-school activities such as excursions, museum visits will not be organized during an emergency.
Restrictions are also expected in the field of culture and entertainment – during an emergency, cultural events may take place with fewer visitors. According to the CMS agreement, cultural events will be allowed to take place in a “green” mode with mandatory use of masks and a limited number of visitors or 60% of capacity.
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