Source::Xinhuanet
RIGA,
In a bid to prevent new COVID-19 variants from reaching Latvia, the government on Friday imposed a temporary ban on passenger traffic with the UK, Ireland, and Portugal and suspended all non-essential travel to Latvia from Feb. 11 to 25.
Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said in a news video conference after Friday's cabinet meeting that by suspending international travel, Latvia wants to slow the spread of the new, more transmissible coronavirus strains to the country. He informed that holders of Latvia's temporary residence permits will also need a serious reason to be let into the country.
Under the new regulation, traveling to Latvia from member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the UK will only be allowed for serious and urgent purposes like work, training and studies, family reunions, medical treatment, traveling in transit, accompanying disabled persons or children or attending a funeral.
Before arriving in Latvia, travelers will have to confirm that they meet the above criteria by filling out a questionnaire available at covidpass.lv. Documents proving the purpose of entry will have to be presented to border guards or police.
Latvia has so far confirmed five imported cases of the new coronavirus variant that was first detected in the UK, but no local transmissions of the new virus strain have been reported yet.
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