What's the government response timeline for Latvia?

From 29 January, 32 laboratory tests were examined to find possible cases of COVID-19 in Latvia. All results were negative. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvian-officials-say-all-is-in-place-for-coronavirus-response.a349718/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges to avoid travel to China's Hubei province. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/avoid-travel-to-chinas-hubei-province-says-latvian-foreign-ministry.a346786/

Citizens who visited infection hotspots of Iran, China, Singapore, South Korea and parts of northern Italy must undergo a 14-day quarantine and monitor their body temperature twice a day. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/coronavirus-appears-in-baltic-states.a349853/

The first coronavirus patient in Latvia (a woman who flew from Munich to Riga) was told to self-isolate after she tested positive. Those who were in close contact with her on the plane will also be quarantined and monitored. https://www.baltictimes.com/latvia_s_first_coronavirus_patient_to_be_discharged_from_hospital_tuesday/

Those who have travelled back from heavily affected areas such as parts of northern Italy, China, Singapore and Japan and who display flu-like symptoms when they return are advised to call the emergency service on 113 instead of going to their local doctor to get tested. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/more-coronavirus-tests-come-up-negative-in-latvia.a350500/

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised against travelling abroad, unless it is an emergency, or if a person must return to their country of residence. https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/latest-news/65686-travel-alerts-and-warnings-for-a-number-of-country-updated-due-to-covid-19-outbreak

No information has been found on internal movement restrictions in Latvia.

"Companies are able to request an extension of the repayment term for delayed tax payments that were previously extended in accordance with the Taxes and Duties Law if the delay was caused as a result of Covid-19." https://bnn-news.com/latvian-government-compiles-all-support-measures-for-covid-19-related-damages-in-one-law-211551 KPMG: "through 30 June 2020, tax relief allows for: Postponement of current and overdue tax payments for companies in industries "most affected" by COVID-19, for up to three years, or the ability to make instalment payments when the delay is related to COVID-19 without triggering late-payment penalties; a request must be submitted to the tax authority. A quicker process for refunds of input value added tax (VAT); beginning 1 April 2020, the tax authority will refund the approved input VAT within 30 days after the due date of submitting the VAT return (and not until end of the tax year), and the faster refund of input VAT will also apply for January and February 2020. Cancellation of advance payments of individual (personal) income tax for self-employed individuals, and no late-payment fees for failure to remit the advance payments. Postponement of real estate tax payments to be allowed by municipalities. Submissions of financial statements (annual report and consolidated annual report) may be made later than the legal deadline (three or four months, respectively)." https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/latvia-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid-19.html

A state of emergency was declared so that 'educational institutions can be closed in Latvia'. Regarding pre-schools: "In order to attend pre-school educational institutions, parents shall submit a written statement to the pre-school educational institution on 13 March 2020 by informing that the child and family have not visited any COVID-19 affected countries and have not been in contact with COVID-19 affected persons, and parents do not have any other possibility of providing childcare." "On-site learning shall be terminated in all educational establishments by providing remote training from 13 March 2020, with the exception of centralised state examinations." https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvian-government-announces-widespread-measures-to-contain-coronavirus.a351529/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/covid-19-emergency-measures-in-english.a351617/

It does not state clearly whether there are any strict regulations regarding workplace closing, but it has been suggested that this should be done 'to the extent possible'. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=58e83f4a-7f36-4563-af5d-89e02c04ccca

Cancelled due to state of emergency. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/covid-19-emergency-measures-in-english.a351617/

Due to the introduction of the state of emergency, large public gatherings of more than 200 people will be banned. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvian-government-announces-widespread-measures-to-contain-coronavirus.a351529/ https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/covid-19-emergency-measures-in-english.a351617/

A full lockdown has not been imposed. However, due to the State of Emergency order, the government has also adopted several resolutions, such as allowing online alcohol sales, to help reduce the number of people going outside. https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1167272/dispatch-from-riga-latvia-tackles-covid-19-without-hard-lockdown-or-closing-bars

Home quarantine for 14 days if travelling from a COVID-19 affected country. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/covid-19-emergency-measures-in-english.a351617/

2 websites are dedicated to Covid-19: the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and covid19.org.lv, both of which provide sufficient information on various aspects of the pandemic. https://spkc.gov.lv/en/for-general-public/covid-19 https://covid19.gov.lv/index.php/en

Further coronavirus restrictions announced: ""unorganized" or spontaneous events including cultural, sporting and religious gatherings can have a maximum 50 participants." https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvia-to-close-borders-to-passenger-traffic-on-tuesday-17-march.a351774/

The Latvian state will provide funding to pay 75% of wages (capped at €700) to people employed in industries hit hardest by Covid-19. Same coverage exists for start-ups. https://bnn-news.com/latvian-state-to-finance-75-of-wages-for-employees-of-industries-hit-by-covid-19-the-most-211491 https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/latvia-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Latvia is closing its international borders. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/society/health/latvia-to-close-borders-to-passenger-traffic-on-tuesday-17-march.a351774/

Tests are available to those who have returned from abroad and are "within a period of 14 days exhibiting symptoms of sudden fever, cough and shortness of breath." Tests are also available to "contact persons defined by Disease Prevention and Control Centre who are in quarantine and have exhibited symptoms of illness during 14 days." https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/latvia-report-covid-19-april-2020_en.pdf

Tests are available to those who have returned from abroad and are "within a period of 14 days exhibiting symptoms of sudden fever, cough and shortness of breath." Tests are also available to "contact persons defined by Disease Prevention and Control Centre who are in quarantine and have exhibited symptoms of illness during 14 days." -this implies the existence of limited contact tracing https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/latvia-report-covid-19-april-2020_en.pdf

Sports centres, gyms and sport halls will be shut down completely. Many retail stores will be forced to close at weekends, with the exception of the essentials (food and homeware stores, garden centres, pharmacies, pet stores and opticians are allowed to work on weekends). https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/latvia-report-covid-19-april-2020_en.pdf

More targeted and focus on at-risk groups will also be tested. https://fra.europa.eu/sites/default/files/fra_uploads/latvia-report-covid-19-april-2020_en.pdf

Tax relief measures have been extended to all companies regardless of their industry sector, provided they meet certain criteria: "Turnover in March or April 2020 compared to the respective month in 2019 decreased by 30% or more. Turnover in March or April 2020 compared to the respective month in 2019 decreased by 20%, if one of the three following requirements is met: The company’s revenues from export amounted to at least 10% of total turnover in 2019, but not less than EUR 500,000. Average salary paid in 2019 was at least EUR 800. Long-term investments in fixed assets as at 31 December 2019 was at least EUR 500,000." https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/latvia-tax-developments-in-response-to-covid-19.html

Ministry of Transport issued an order that imposes precautionary measures in public transport to reduce the number of passengers on public transport and the possibility of physical contact, while also ensuring the possibility to get to work. The Minister of Transport has stated that public transport should be used only in essential cases. http://www.sam.gov.lv/?cat=8&art_id=9594

State of emergency extended until 12 May. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/330021/latvia-government-extends-state-of-emergency-through-may-12-due-to-covid-19-update-3

State of emergency extended until 12 May. https://lv.usembassy.gov/health-alert-latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-until-may-12-2020/

State of emergency extended until 12 May. https://lv.usembassy.gov/health-alert-latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-until-may-12-2020/

State of emergency extended until 12 May. https://www.garda.com/crisis24/news-alerts/330021/latvia-government-extends-state-of-emergency-through-may-12-due-to-covid-19-update-3

"Students passing centralised and vocational exams will be allowed to attend a face-to-face consultation, according to amendments approved by the government to the Law on State of Emergency on Thursday. Additionally, the government made the decision to continue remote education process in all education institutions and all kinds of education processes outside education facilities." https://bnn-news.com/latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-to-9-june-certain-restrictions-to-be-lifted-213100

"From now on, all stores will be open in shopping centres during weekends and holidays. The restriction that only grocery stores, press outlets, pharmacies, vaccination offices, optical stores, animal feed stores, dry-cleaner’s, hygiene and household goods stores, and construction and gardening goods stores may operate in shopping centres is cancelled." https://mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/strategy-government-next-stage-covid-19-restrictions-strict-domestic-health-measures

Gatherings of up to 25 permitted, "Indoor events will not be allowed to last longer than three hours. Outdoor events are not limited by time." As a result of lifting restrictions the government permits organization of gatherings, processions, protests, private meetings, as well as religious events https://bnn-news.com/latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-to-9-june-certain-restrictions-to-be-lifted-213100

No more than 25 people are allowed to participate in events simultaneously as state of emergency has been extended until 9 June. The length of indoor events is not allowed to exceed three hours. Participants are to maintain a 2-metre distance from each other. Culture, entertainment, sports and other leisure venues can be open for business from no earlier than 07:00 and close no later than 00:00. https://bnn-news.com/latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-to-9-june-certain-restrictions-to-be-lifted-213100

People are still being urged to use public transport only when really necessary. New rules dictate that face coverings must be worn on public transport. https://eng.lsm.lv/article/economy/transport/cover-your-nose-and-mouth-on-latvian-public-transport.a359437/

Recoded: The opening of this land border was announced May 12. "Latvia’s government also decided to permit organisation of tourism services to travel in Baltic States – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia." https://bnn-news.com/latvia-extends-state-of-emergency-to-9-june-certain-restrictions-to-be-lifted-213100 HOWEVER, it does not take effect until May 15. As of Friday, May 15, the land borders between Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia are open to individuals with no symptoms of respiratory problems and who have not traveled outside of the Baltic region in the past 14 days. Individuals traveling to and from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia who meet these requirements will not be subjected to the 14-day quarantine. https://lv.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Travel between Baltic states have been restored. https://riga.mfa.ee/important-information-about-the-state-of-emergency-and-covid-19-in-latvia/

Policy supposed to end May 14, can't find any evidence of an extension of payments. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/latvia-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Latvia and Estonia are apparently among the first countries to launch smartphone apps that trace Covid-19. https://www.intellinews.com/index.php/estonia-and-latvia-among-first-countries-to-use-coronavirus-tracing-app-based-on-apple-google-tech-184104/?source=baltic-states

Latvia launched a Google-Apple friendly coronavirus contact tracing app: https://reuters.screenocean.com/r/1554636

It's been said that around 40,000 people have downloaded Latvia's Covid-19 contact tracing app, which has been available since 29 May. https://www.baltictimes.com/around_40_000_people_have_downloaded_latvia_s_covid-19_contact_tracing_app/

"Nursery schools may return to full operation, subject to epidemiological safety requirements. On-site consultations may be provided for preparing students for the final examinations of secondary and secondary vocational education, as well as for 9th grade students. Adult vocational education and interest-related education classes may be organised for up to 50 persons, subject to epidemiological safety requirements." https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

"Entertainment, cultural, sports, and other recreational places may be open from 6.30 to 24.00. Open-air cinemas and public catering places must close no later than 2.00. Bars, restaurants, cafes: can open from 06.30 to 2.00, subject to regulations and limiting the number of visitors to no more than 4 persons or 1 family at one table indoors and no more than 8 persons or 1 family at one table outdoors. A distance of 2 metres between the tables and at least 4 m2 per visitor must be ensured." "All stores are also allowed to operate in shopping centres during weekends and holidays." https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

"Indoor sports competitions may be organised for up to 100 persons without spectators; outdoor - for up to 300 persons, including spectators. Indoor sports events may take place with spectators if the total indoor area is at least 1000 m2." https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

Up to 100 people indoors and up to 300 people outdoors allowed. "Church services and other religious activities: may be organised for up to 100 persons indoors and up to 300 persons outdoors, subject to physical distancing rules and epidemiological safety measures. Places of religious activity can open from 6.30 to 24.00" https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

"Nose and mouth coverings must be used (a self-made or purchased mask, scarf, shawl, and other solutions are accepted). Hygiene measures must be observed." Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 must not use public transport. Neither should those who have been in contact with a Covid-19 positive citizen. https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

"It is allowed to enter Latvia from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, except for the countries with a high number of Covid-19 cases indicated on the SPCK website - Upon arrival in Latvia from foreign countries outside the territories of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, public transport may only be used in order to get to the place of self-isolation and a mouth and nose covering must be used - It is allowed to enter Latvia from third countries for the nationals and residents of the EU, including Latvia, the EEA, and Switzerland, as well as for their family members - Latvian nationals may leave Latvia to go to these countries to return to their country of permanent residence" When travelling from Lithuania or Estonia, quarantine is not obligatory. https://covid19.gov.lv/en/support-society/how-behave-safely/covid-19-control-measures

"From 10 to 30 June, everyone has the opportunity to be tested for Covid-19, even if they show no symptoms." https://covid19.gov.lv/index.php/en/covid-19/about-covid-19/who-can-be-tested-covid-19-free

Borders are only open to residents of Latvia, other EU Member States, countries in the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. Proper residency documentation is required. Passengers from countries with more than 15 cases per 100,000 inhabitants will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. https://lv.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Up until 30 June anyone can register to get a coronavirus test. https://covid19.gov.lv/ru/chasto-zadavaemye-voprosy-i-otvety

The official Covid-19 government website has stated that these measures are in place until 30 June, so we may expect some changes on rules after that. https://covid19.gov.lv/en

The borders with Russia and Belarus are still closed. https://lv.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ https://www.baltictimes.com/latvia_keeps_borders_with_belarus_and_russia_closed_because_of_epidemiological__not_political_reasons_-_rinkevics/

From 10 June to 30 June anyone can get tested. https://covid19.gov.lv/en

There is still a working time limit for gyms, fitness clubs, and similar companies. They may start no earlier than 6.30am and close no later than 12am. https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/ministru-kabinets-samazina-atseviskus-covid-19-izplatibas-ierobezojumus

Updates from 1 July until 31 July: Outside: no more than 1,000 people may gather. Inside: no more than 100 people may gather in rooms up to 1,000 m2 , but 500 in larger rooms. Everyone must still observe a 2-metre distance. There will also be no time limit for outdoor sports events. https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/ministru-kabinets-samazina-atseviskus-covid-19-izplatibas-ierobezojumus

Face masks are no longer a requirement but rather a recommendation on public transport. It is only mandatory if a person is travelling to a place of self-isolation (if they have just come from abroad). https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/ministru-kabinets-samazina-atseviskus-covid-19-izplatibas-ierobezojumus

Only if self-isolating (limited information about other stay at home recommendations). https://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/ministry-health-restrictions-must-also-be-observed-after-end-state-emergency

The application term for suspension of loan principal payments has been extended until 30 September 2020 for both individuals and legal entities. https://www.fm.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/jaunumi/62450-lidz-si-gada-30septembrim-pagarinats-piemerosanas-termins-aizdevuma-pamatsummas-maksajumu-atliksanai

Anyone has an opportunity to take a state-funded Covid-19 test. On weekdays from 8am to 8pm; Saturdays from 9am to 3pm; Sundays from 9am to 12pm; Appointments must be made prior to the test. https://www.mk.gov.lv/lv/aktualitates/ministru-kabinets-samazina-atseviskus-covid-19-izplatibas-ierobezojumus

There are still restrictions from entering Latvia from outside the European Union. Residents of the following non-EU countries can also enter the EU: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay. https://lv.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

On July 10, the Latvian government responded to the worsening COVID19 situation by renewing restrictions on the hospitality industry, as all of the recent outbreaks have been linked to the hospitality and entertainment industries. Although restaurants and other catering establishments are still allowed to operate, restrictions on opening times as well as social distancing measures remain in place. https://mk.gov.lv/en/aktualitates/cabinet-ministers-has-increased-certain-restrictions-related-covid-19

All passengers must now complete a contact form on arrival and hand it to their transport provider. The form must give contact details, "listing the countries visited in the previous 14 days, and undertaking to comply with the epidemiological security measures established in Latvia" https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/latvia

The Latvian government updated its Covid-19 control measures on 17 August, which came to effect the same day. Some key points: [quote] 1. Kindergartens may be fully operational subject to epidemiological safety requirements; 2. From 1 September, schools must organize (A) face-to-face training. For a safe organization of human flow, they can occur (B) partially remotely. If a case of Covid-19 is detected at a school, there should be a plan to organize the training (C) completely remotely according to the recommendations of the Ministry of Education and Science; 3. Face-to-face counseling may be provided to prepare secondary and vocational school students for final examinations, as well as counseling for 9th grade; and 4. Adult vocational education and interest education classes may be organized for up to 50 people, observing epidemiological safety requirements. [End of quote] https://archive.vn/OYIDN

The Latvian government updated its Covid-19 control measures on 17 August, which came to effect the same day: [quote] - Entertainment, cultural, sports, catering and other recreational areas may be open from 6.00 to 2.00, except for nightclubs, discos, etc., the opening hours of which may not exceed 24.00 - Open-air cinema work ends no later than 2.00 [End of quote] Catering places "May work from 6.00. to 2.00"; and "All stores are allowed to operate in shopping centers also on weekends and holidays" subject to certain safety measures. https://archive.vn/OYIDN

Indoor events can be organised for up to 1000 people, while outdoor events cannot have more than 3000 people. https://covid19.gov.lv/atbalsts-sabiedribai/ka-drosi-rikoties/covid-19-izplatibas-ierobezosanas-pasakumi

The Latvian government updated its Covid-19 control measures on 17 August, which came to effect the same day. For education: [Quote] Classes and trainings for groups of up to 30 people may be organized without overlapping training groups - Sports competitions may be organized for up to 1000 people indoors, up to 3000 people outdoors, including spectators - Indoor sports events with a total area of ​​at least 1000m2 may take place with spectators; - Sports outdoor events may take place at any time of the day. [End of quote] For indoor events in general: - Events can be organized for up to 1000 people indoors, subject to physical distance, security measures and the rules of the organizer - For cultural events where visitors sit in personalized, fixed seats, a distance of 1 meter must be observed between the seats For outdoor events in general: - May be to organize events for up to 3000 persons, subject to the physical distancing and epidemiological safety rules - may be to organize open-air car-cinema and auto-concerts (regardless of the number of participants) in which the visitor participates, while light vehicle - Open-air cinema work shall be completed no later than at. 2.00 https://archive.vn/OYIDN

The Latvian government updated its Covid-19 control measures on 17 August, which came to effect the same day. Individuals may "organize tourist trips and go on trips abroad to and from countries where the number of Covid-19 infected in two weeks does not exceed 25 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants; Self-isolation is not required after entering Latvia from countries where a new Covid-19 The number of 19 infected per 100,000 inhabitants in two weeks does not exceed 16". https://archive.vn/OYIDN