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RIGA, Nov 24 (LETA) - The government decided today to step up coronavirus prevention measures in Daugavpils city, Baldone, Kraslava, Salacgriva, Akniste, Varaklani, Marupe, Malpils, Smiltene, Garkalne, Limbazi and Salaspils regions,

Epidemiologists have observed that, in some regions, Covid-19 is spreading faster than in other regions. As a result, the government is planning stepping up precautionary measures in the regions where the fourteen-day cumulative number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents exceeds the average number for Latvia twice or more. On Tuesday, the cumulative Covid-19 incidence in Latvia was 275.9, which means that these measures should be applied on municipalities with the cumulative incidence over 413.8 cases per 100,000 residents.

In the above-mentioned municipalities, students in grades 5 to 12 will switch to remote learning from November 27.

Also, culture establishments, exhibitions, fairs will be closed. Only outdoor sports practices are allowed. Libraries will be opened for taking books home. Private events will be allowed for one household only, except for funerals and, in some cases, baptism ceremonies. Participants of funerals and baptism ceremonies should wear masks.

Also, in private indoor and outdoor events people should observe two-meter distance if they are not from one household. Exceptions refer to work or service duties.

There will also be restrictions on maximum numbers of passengers on public transport and in stores.

In the future, once a week, by Tuesday, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control will publish a list of those municipalities where cumulative incidence is higher than average in the country. Restrictions in those municipalities will come into force on Thursday of the same week.