In response to reports of the spread of Covid-19 increasing in China once again, EU member states have adopted recommendations for travellers. Latvia has joined these member states in this effort. The decisions made by the EU are recommendations – they become mandatory for member states when regulations become part of each country’s legislation, as noted by Ministry of Health Communications Office.
EU Health Security Committee both at the end of last year and in the first days of 2023 assessed risks and a unified approach in response to the Covid-19 situation in China. During discussions it was stressed that EU member states should consider adopting a unified approach for random SARS-CoV-2 genome monitoring programme for travellers at international airports with a focus on passenger flights arriving from China.
According to available information, no new SARS-CoV-2 variants have been found in China so far. However, due to the rapid rise in new infections in China, EU Health Security Committee invites for coordinated security measures in Europe.
The main recommendations that were accepted by Latvia: all travellers that use international flights to and from China are recommended to wear medical masks or FFP2/N95/KN95 category respirators during flights; for international travellers arriving from China or travelling to this country are advised to follow strict hygiene and health measures.
Additionally, member states can ask passengers arriving from China to EU member states, including those in transit through third countries, to present a negative Covid-19 test result. Test results have to be available in English and/or the language of individual countries.
The ministry also invites travellers returning or going away to China to follow EU member states’ requirements for travel, which may change. Last year the Ministry of Health sent a letter with information to Riga International Airport. In this letter there was a recommendation to return to the requirement for people to wear protective masks at the airport and on board aircraft.
If need be, EU member states should consider the option to adopt or increase monitoring of waste water of international airports and/or aircraft, especially at airports that service flights to and from China. EU services and agencies will develop guidelines for taking samples of waste water.
Last week the Ministry of Health held multiple meetings of work groups, during which representatives of the Disease Prevention and Control Centre, Emergency Medical Service, hospitals and public health experts participated and provided opinions. The meeting focused on topics related to the position of EU member states on the rapid spread of Covid-19 in China and the epidemiological situation in Latvia.
Booster shot coverage in Latvia, when compared with other EU member states – is low (4.5% of residents have an updated immunity status).
This is why the Ministry of Health and health experts invite residents to vaccinate – especially seniors and residents in risk groups, because vaccination protects against severe infection and death.
Infection rates are also high with flu and upper respiratory tract infections. This is why Ministry of Health recommends residents to follow main preventive measures (www.spkc.gov.lv) and vaccinate (www.vmnvd.gov.lv).
Also read: Lithuania will follow EU recommendations on travellers from China