Critics believe that the low vaccination rate in Latvia has caused the surge of new COVID-19 infections across the country.
Latvia was among the few countries that kept COVID-19 at bay for months. Since the start of the pandemic, it has recorded fewer than 3,000 deaths, making it one of Europe’s success stories amid the global crisis.
But, with the new COVID-19 wave hitting the continent, things seemingly turned around for the Baltic country. It now has one of the highest rates of coronavirus incidence in the world, relative to population.
Earlier this week, the government had an emergency meeting to discuss the nation’s current crisis. Officials consequently decided to reimpose strict lockdown measures, according to The Associated Press.
Latvia to impose strict measures
Latvia will enter into its lockdown on Thursday. During the announcement, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins stated that the strict measures will last until November 15.
Most of the stores and establishments will be closed. This will also apply to all non-essential shops, as well as schools across the country.
Gatherings of all sorts, whether indoor or outdoor will not be allowed, as well. As instructed, only essential manufacturing, construction, and critical jobs may continue in person. Alongside the lockdown measures, the government will impose a nationwide curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting from Thursday.
Reports noted that drastic measures are necessary as the case surge continues. With this at hand, the Baltic country is now the first nation to reimpose “far-reaching” COVID-19 measures amid the new wave in Europe.
Vaccination rate below EU average
The Prime Minister of Latvia blamed the country’s low vaccination rate for the current crisis. He stated that the nation’s “health system is in danger,” adding that the only way out of it is to take the COVID-19 jabs.
PM Karins, alongside Health Minister Daniele Pavluts, also apologised to the vaccinated individuals. The latter said that the government and society as a whole “have not succeeded” in achieving a high vaccination rate, and they now ask everyone to observe the measures to “avoid the worst possible scenario.”
The Guardian reported that the Baltic country has a vaccination rate below the EU average of 74 percent. Only 57 percent of the country’s population have received at least a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
New COVID-19 wave in Europe
The World Health Organization recently reported that the global number of new COVID-19 cases has decreased. Officials have seen the same dynamic in all regions except in Europe, where there was a seven percent increase.
The new wave has reportedly hit central and eastern European countries with low vaccination rates. Apart from Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania are also experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases and deaths.
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