Latvia: Authorities to ease restrictions on restaurant operations from May 7 following COVID-19-related closure /update 21

Latvia to allow restaurants to reopen outdoor dining areas from May 7. Other COVID-19 measures to remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Latvia plan to allow catering establishments to reopen their outdoor spaces starting May 7 following a months-long closure as part of the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dining establishments will be allowed to operate from 06:00-21:00 daily; up to four adults from two different households may sit at the same table.

Latvia's other COVID-19-related restrictions remain mostly unchanged, with the following domestic measures still in force as of May 6:

Businesses that are open must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements. Capacity is limited to more than one customer per 25 square meters (160 square feet) of floor space at a time.
Public gatherings are suspended; up to ten people from a maximum of two separate households are permitted to meet socially.
Public transport is operating at 50 percent capacity.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and in all enclosed public spaces nationwide.
All nonessential workers must continue to work from home to the extent possible; employers must identify which employees are required to perform on-site duties

International Entry Restrictions
Travel to Latvia via commercial transport is only permitted for returning residents and those traveling for limited essential reasons, such as for work, study, or urgent family business. All permitted arrivals must fill out an online form within 48 hours prior to travel and be in possession of a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel.

All persons returning to Latvia from nonessential trips to a non-EU or Schengen country must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at their own expense. Individuals traveling from countries where the 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID-19 is greater than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants must also self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. As of May 6, all countries other than Australia, Iceland, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, UK, and Vatican City exceed this incidence rate.

Entry is permitted for cross-border commuters from Latvia; such travelers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test no older than seven days or proof of having received a vaccine.

Restrictions could be reimposed, extended, or otherwise amended at short notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they could prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.