Egils Levits
Valsts prezidents interesējas par Liepājas, Daugavpils un Ogres pieredzi cīņā ar Covid-19
President of Latvia Egils Levits has called mayors of Liepāja, Daugavpils and Ogre to discuss a variety of current issues. One of the key topics of discussion was fight against the Coronavirus Covid-19.

Mayor of Liepāja Jānis Vilnītis described how municipality supports pupils by delivering free school meals and ensures care to senior citizens in these extraordinary circumstances. Mayor also told the President that 4 out of 24 kindergartens are operating despite emergency to provide day care services to healthcare workers, policemen and other professions required to be on the job full time. Jānis Vilnītis also said that Liepāja City Council began supporting one of the local businesses at the onset of the virus and it has been producing face masks for already three weeks now. Face masks are also sold in shops throughout Liepāja. Arrival of four repatriation vessels was a huge challenge for Liepāja. Altogether 600 people arrived on these ships. Liepāja city had to arrange the testing and escort the repatriated people home.

Mayor of Daugavpils Andrejs Elksniņš presented Daugavpils’ efforts to curb the spreading of Covid-19. Daugavpils triggered early prevention protocols even before the government order as it closed all public places and playgrounds. Like other municipalities, Daugavpils is also delivering free school meals to pupils’ homes, and special support to senior citizens. Egils Levits and Andrejs Elksniņš also discussed various aspects of the regional reform.

During the call with Mayor of Ogre Egils Helmanis, President Levits was provided insight into municipal aid and support schemes Ogre has to help resident overcome crisis. President and Mayor also talked about Ogre Hospital case. Around 30 health professionals who have been in contact with a patient who later tested positive for Covid-19 had to go into self-isolation. This case demonstrates that health system is not fully ready to safely handle the virus yet. Mayor also expressed hope that all safety problems will be resolved soon. When asked, Egils Helmanis confirmed his support for regional reform.