Latvia enters strict Covid-19 lockdown

Riga, Oct 21 (EFE).- A four-week lockdown and nightly curfew came into effect in Latvia on Thursday in a bid to stymie a spike Covid-19 cases as the Balstic country’s vaccine drive trails behind the European Union average.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said Wednesday that the main purposes of the lockdown, which will run until November 15 and is the severest measures Latvia has adopted since the pandemic began, was to flatten the rising curve of infections and ease the pressure on the nation’s hospitals.

Latvians have been asked to stay at home save for trips to buy food and pharmaceuticals or to commute to essential jobs.

Around 50% of Latvians have received a full course of a Covid-19 vaccine, compared to the EU average of around 75%.

PM Karins said the main strategy for getting the country back to normal was to vaccinate at least 90% of pensioners and other vulnerable people and 76% of the entire population over age 12.

The government authorized the lockdown after health authorities on Wednesday reported 2,599 new Covid-19 cases and 24 related deaths in the previous 24 hours.

jkz/jt