On Friday, 22 October the Saeima approved additional restrictions defined by the government to fight the rapid spread of COVID-19. These restrictions include an obligation for all persons to stay at their place of residence from 8 PM to 5 AM until 14 November.

Amendments to the Declaration on the Emergency Situation, adopted by the government, also stipulate exceptions to the prohibition to leave the place of residence. In case of such exceptions, a completed statement as to this fact and personal ID are to be presented.

The amendments also stipulate that, upon contact with an infected person, home quarantine will also be mandatory for those fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19.

Upon arriving at a workplace, all employees not working from home must confirm in writing that they are free of acute respiratory disease symptoms and have not been in close contact with persons in isolation, home quarantine, or self-isolation.

All private gatherings, except those of a single household, are prohibited. The amendments also stipulate that only members of a single household, or two people from different households, are allowed to travel together in private vehicles.

Until 14 November, all private gatherings, as well as meetings, demonstrations, and pickets are cancelled and prohibited, and all cultural sites, libraries, and exhibition sites are closed. According to the amendments, sites of religious activity are only open for individual visits. Catering facilities may only provide take-away meals or meal delivery.

The amendments stipulate that in-person trade services may only be provided in grocery stores, stores where hygiene goods make up 70% of the assortment, pharmacies (including veterinary pharmacies), optician’s shops, petrol stations, pet food shops, newsagents, bookshops, telecommunication goods and service providers, and flower shops.

In-person trading venues may not open before 6 AM and must close no later than 7 PM. There are no time restrictions on petrol stations and 24-hour pharmacies, tourist dwellings, COVID-19 vaccination points, as well as public transport, goods and passenger transport and related services, delivery, emergency response and emergency utilities services.

Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 infection and the healthcare system overload, on 9 October 2021 the Cabinet of Ministers declared a state of emergency that will be in effect until 11 January 2022.

Saeima Press Service