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According to statistics from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control released on Friday, both Lithuania and Estonia were to be included in the list of countries affected by decisions of the Latvian government.
However, the possibility that compatriots living close to the border may find it difficult to come to terms with limited access, for example to a store in Latvia, cannot be ruled out.
During the press conference, the Minister agreed that such a scenario for those who live near the border is a completely real scenario, but then it may be necessary to assume responsibility.
“Yes, people who live near the border can go there. But as far as we know how Latvians plan to ensure that control, I have already mentioned that there is a lot of power given to police officers.
For this reason, it must be taken into account that after crossing the border and entering the territory of another country, another regime comes into force there and the conditions that have been established must be met. And for non-compliance, your country’s officials can impose sanctions, “he said.
The procedure has a different effect
He stressed that a formal solution has not yet been found, but if there are no changes, the Latvians have an automatic mechanism and the decision takes effect immediately.
“On Friday those lists are being revised, harmonized, but they will come into effect a little differently. It goes into effect in Latvia the next day, so if we include ourselves on that list, you will have to isolate yourself when you go to Latvia on the end. of week.
Estonia, like Lithuania, approved the list on Friday, but it came into force on Monday, so in that case, in theory, it would be possible to travel to Estonia on the weekend without isolation, ”he said on Thursday.
A. Veryga recalled that everything in Latvia is heavily controlled by the police: “So if you see a car with Lithuanian numbers or try to stay, you will get questions about where you are from, why you did not isolate yourself and things like that.”
Exceptions will apply for entry for work reasons
The Latvian government on Friday discussed the restrictions to be imposed on travelers from Lithuania and Estonia due to an increased incidence of coronavirus. However, it has been decided that the movement will be free for one more week; Estonia and Lithuania will not be included in the so-called “yellow” list of countries affected by COVID-19 for at least another week.
At the beginning of the meeting, Health Minister Ilzė Vinkelė reported that Estonia and Lithuania had done everything possible to maintain the possibility of free travel between the Baltic States for at least one more week.
Earlier, Latvian Health Minister Ilze Vinkelė said that special conditions for traveling in the Baltic States would be prepared for people studying or working in neighboring countries.
According to her, the stricter travel restrictions will not introduce new restrictions within the country.
Restrictions could have been introduced for Lithuania and Estonia, as morbidity rates reached or approached the target when arrival was tightened: 16 cases per 100,000. population.
Official statistics show that in Latvia, the spread of the coronavirus is the slowest in the European Union. Finland has better rates than Lithuania and Estonia, while there are more cases in other countries. The worst situation in the EU is in Spain, where 231 cases have been registered for every 100,000 cases in the last two weeks. population.
Latvian measurements vary
Although the Prime Minister of Latvia stated that Lithuania and Estonia did not apply virus management measures as stringent as Latvia and the situation in them had worsened, the Minister stated that there had been no complaints before.
“We have always been in contact and talking with them. Perhaps the only comment was about flights from the affected countries. But now the procedure at the airports for arrivals from the affected countries is very strict, they have to isolate themselves, they need to arrive with valid evidence for at least 72 hours, if they are not citizens of our country. (…)
But what we do not have, but the Latvians have, is to maintain a distance of two meters, with us it is much smoother, to maintain the meter. Another measure is the opening hours of catering and nightclubs, which can operate up to 24 hours. There is also a lot of control by the police, not by public health professionals, “he added.
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