Latvia: Authorities extend COVID-19-related measures nationwide until Feb. 7 /update 16

Event

Authorities in Latvia have extended measures imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) until at least Feb. 7. A related state of emergency is also currently scheduled to expire Feb. 7. The following measures are currently in place:

A nationwide 2200-0500 curfew will be in effect each Friday-Sunday. Movement during curfew hours is allowed only for essential purposes, such as performing essential work, seeking medical help, or purchasing needed medications.
All private gatherings are limited to two persons. Funerals and baptisms are limited to 10 attendees.
Places of worship may operate at a 20-percent capacity.
Cultural venues, exhibitions, and fairs are closed.
No more than one customer per 15 square meters (160 square feet) of floor space is allowed inside shops at a time. Only pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies, and shops that sell essential goods may operate; alcohol and tobacco sales are banned on weekends.
Public transport will operate at 50-percent capacity.
Personal care services, such as hairdressers and barbershops, are closed.
Businesses that are permitted to remain open must adhere to strict hygiene and social distancing requirements.
Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and all enclosed public spaces nationwide.

International Entry Restrictions
Travelers from EEA nations, as well as those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Thailand, are permitted to enter Latvia. All arrivals are required to fill out an online form within 48 hours prior to travel. Any arrivals from countries in which the 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID-19 is greater than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants must self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival. As of Jan. 1, only Australia, Japan, Iceland, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vatican City have incidence rates below this threshold; travelers from all other permitted countries must self-isolate. Travelers do not need to self-isolate if they have stayed in a country with a COVID-19 incidence lower than the defined threshold for at least 14 days immediately before entering Latvia. Travel from all other countries is prohibited except for immediate family members of Latvian nationals, diplomats, individuals in transit, and freight workers. Restrictions remain in place at the borders with Belarus and Russia.

Additionally, international passenger transport is suspended with countries that have a 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID-19 twice the average for the EU. As of Jan. 1 the Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Netherlands, San Marino, and Slovenia meet this criterion. Furthermore, tighter entry restrictions remain in effect for travelers from the UK as part of Latvia's response to a new strain of COVID-19 discovered primarily in the southeast of England. All arrivals from the UK are required to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-isolate for 10 days. A second test is required on day nine of the isolation period; if a negative result is confirmed, the individual may end their isolation.

All arrivals are required to possess proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to travel, which must be presented before boarding passenger transport or at the border if arriving via private transport. Individuals arriving from countries in which the 14-day cumulative incidence of COVID-19 is greater than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants will still be required to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.