RIGA, Jan 4 (LETA) - Neurosurgeon Renars Putnins, who also serves as a member of the board at Jekabpils Regional Hospital, believes that the current Covid-19 restrictions must be maintained.

In an interview on TV3 this morning, Putnins admitted that he could not comment on the need to extend the state of emergency, as this is obviously more about the government's work to make decisions easier. The mobilization of doctors does not require a state of emergency, because they are responsive enough and ready to help in any case.

"Restrictions, on the other hand, are a must because we are seeing this omicron variant is coming. We have also just heard that a new strain has been found in France, so we need to be careful," said that representative of Jekabpils Regional Hospital.

In his opinion, restrictions are also largely needed to keep the public alert and for them to keep track of their daily activities so as not to infect themselves and others.

Asked whether it would be enough to maintain the existing restrictions or whether they should be strengthened, Putnins expressed the opinion that the current restrictions are effective enough, at least in a situation where the infection rates are not deteriorating rapidly. The doctor added that the restrictions should, of course, be reasonable and that specific requirements would have to be decided by the government.

As reported, the government coalition at a meeting on Tuesday will discuss whether it would be necessary to extend the current state of emergency imposed in Latvia to contain the spread of Covid-19, according to information obtained by LETA.

The state of emergency is due to end on January 11, but the Health Ministry has proposed extending it by three to four weeks, according to the minutes of the Operative Management Group's meeting on Monday.

The Health Ministry's representatives said at the meeting that easing safety restrictions is not possible for the moment.

At Tuesday's coalition meeting, the Health Ministry is expected to inform about the latest Covid-19 data, while the Operative Management Group will come up with proposals and recommendations.

The government is scheduled to decide on the matter this Thursday, January 6.

The current state of emergency is in force in Latvia until January 11, 2022.