Because of lowering Covid-19 infection risks, as well as considering the practice of other EU member states in regards to wearing protective masks, Latvia’s Ministry of Health suggested lifting the requirement for mandatory use of protective masks in healthcare institutions and social care centres, as confirmed by the ministry.
On Tuesday, the 9th of May, the government approved the ministry’s suggestion to lift the requirement for mandatory use of protective masks in healthcare institutions and social care centres.
However, healthcare institutions and social care centres still retain the right to reintroduce the requirement for patients and visitors based on the regional epidemiological situation.
The epidemiological situation in the country and the world does not show any outbreaks with very high Covid-19 patient numbers. Covid-19 infection also generally passes in light form and fewer patients are hospitalised with Covid-19 as their main diagnosis.
The infection no longer poses the kind of threat to the healthcare system it did previously. Currently Covid-19 is considered no more dangerous than other circulating respiratory infections.
This is why epidemiological security measures have to be equalised with measures for other respiratory infections. This includes regulations for use of protective masks.
The government has also clarified the order under which healthcare institutions provide Covid-19 tests for employees and patients. Relevant requirements and rules will remain in force until the 30th of June 2023.
Also read: Covid-19 is no longer an international threat