RIGA, Dec 21 (LETA) - In order to reduce gathering of people, Covid-19 restrictions have been stepped up as of today until January 11 in education, sports, culture and services sectors.

New restrictions in relation to retail came into force on December 19 already.

Last week, the Cabinet of Minister adopted amendments to the regulations on the state of emergency. The restrictions do not refer to people's mobility.

School holidays in Latvian education institutions for pupils of grades 1-6 will be extended by one week, until January 8. Only remote classes can be held in professional and higher education, different courses, with the exception of clinical residency. Extra-curricular education classes and trainings can be held only remotely.

In relation to sports, amateur sports practices will be allowed only outdoors as of December 21 in a group of up to ten people. It means that sports clubs and gyms will be closed, also individual practices indoors will be banned.

Libraries and indoor premises of museums will be closed. Exhibition halls and other culture places will also be closed. Fairs, including Christmas fairs, are banned. Even though indoor premises of museums are closed, museum open-air territories will be open, but museums will have to guide the flow of people, reduce crowding, ensure two-meter distance. Nature trails will also be open.

Beauty care services, including hairdresser's, are banned. Photo shoots and other photo services, except for document photos, are banned.

Everyone, if possible, has to work remotely from home.

As reported, to contain the spread of Covid-19, Latvia has introduced a state of emergency from November 9 to January 11, introducing requirements to wear face masks indoors, restrictions on gathering of people, trade of non-essential goods at weekends and during holidays. Today, the government decided on even harsher restrictions. The harsher restrictions aim at reducing human contacts outside households.