RIGA, March 10 (LETA) - Social partners and NGOs will help to develop understandable and government-approved proposals for further restrictions, as agreed at the strategic management group meeting for containing Covid-19.

The management group on Wednesday heard a report from the government members on the scenario for gradual stabilization of the epidemiological situation approved by the government on Tuesday, making remote work mandatory, while manufacturers will be allowed to continue work on site.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) said that there are no contradictions between the scenario selected by the government and proposals presented by social partners.

NGO sector representative Inese Vaivare said that when making further decisions on epidemiological safety, not only economic aspects should be considered, but also social aspects, such as psycho-emotional mood of the society. 

Commenting on the government's plans, in case of positive epidemiological situation, in three weeks revise a possibility to reopen operations of separate sectors, Vaivare called on the government to include also social sectors. "I am worried that the first to be opened will be sectors with strong representation, while social blocs might be left behind," she said.

Latvian Employers Confederation's general director Liga Mengelsone called on the government to keep their proposals clear and understandable. "It is a question how not to turn good proposals into a bureaucratic trap," she said. Speaking about remote work, Mengelsone said that the government should find a motivational approach so that people would willingly work remotely.

The prime minister noted that the scenario selected by the government on gradual stabilization of the epidemiological situation is the best way. However, if the epidemiological situation deteriorates steeply, harsher restrictions should be applied. At the same time, Latvia should start thinking about "safe living" model for the time when the pandemic subsides.