On Friday, 13 March, the Saeima in an extraordinary sitting approved the government decision on declaring state of emergency to contain the coronavirus Covid-19. 

According to the Decision, a state of emergency is to be declared as of 12 March until 14 April, to contain the spread of Covid-19. The Ministry of Health has been designated as the responsible authority for coordination of activities during the emergency.

Several restrictive measures have been established for the duration of the emergency, including substitution of on-site learning in all educational establishments with remote  classes as of 13 March 2020, with the exception of centralised state examinations. In addition, learning is suspended in all programs of cultural, sports vocational and interest-related education programs (sports practices, competitions and rehearsals).

According to the Decision, as of 13 March, all public events, meetings, processions and demonstrations involving more than 200 participants are prohibited, and people are urged to refrain from travelling abroad.

The Decision also contains a list of precautionary measures applicable to the persons returned from countries or territories affected by the Covid-19, as well as people exposed to such persons. 

Full text of the Decision on the state of emergency in Latvian: https://titania.saeima.lv/LIVS13/saeimalivs_lmp.nsf/0/6623BEB91A5B41FBC225852A0029F668?OpenDocument

Saeima Press Service