Aglona awaits its guests with caution / Article / LSM.lv

On Friday and Saturday, believers will gather in Aglona for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So far, no Covid-19-infected people have been detected in Aglona, ​​so the expected thousands are waiting here with concern.

Worshipers are urged not to crowd and to be careful, but so many strangers in the city can also bring unwanted virus.

Already on Thursday, August 13, shop assistants work in masks, but street sales, public eating and entertainment will not take place on Friday and Saturday.

Aglona pošas. Sweep the streets and set up a sacred square. From Friday, the entrance will be by invitation only, thus ensuring the maximum number of visitors – 3000. Disinfectants have already been placed. There will be fences.

But the locals openly say that they will not attend the festival themselves.

“It’s a little scared of that virus!” admits a local resident Normunds.

“We take care of the territory. You will have to watch TV, ”adds Nikolajs, a resident of Aglona.

“Guests are invited at any time, but I am careful,” admits Lilita from Aglon, who will not attend the festival herself.

Mary has always attended the festival “from children’s days, every year”. And again this year an invitation in your pocket.

Juris Butēvics, the chairman of the Aglona County Council, admits that he is waiting for the holiday with caution. Especially now that one coronavirus patient has been reported in nearby Komuli. The patient has also visited relatives in Aglona. Whether they have self-isolation is unknown.

“It has not been officially announced, but we know about Komuli! And it’s so close, “says Butevs.

Active rest is limited on Fridays and Saturdays to reduce the risk of congestion and infection. Neither free bicycles nor SUP boards and catamarans will be rented.

There will be shops, a gas station and a cafe.

Due to the unissued trade and catering permits, the municipal budget misses 2,000 euros.

However, no money is worth it if there is health in the second weight cups.

“Come to church to pray, not to eat and have fun! It had remained a mess. In recent years, only Chinese strands have been traded there, ”says the head of the council.

For the first time – unlike in other years, the basilica area is not surrounded by merchant tents and the aromas of large pots and pans. Worshipers from other cities who have already come to the festival promise to stay separate from others.

CONTEXT:

In Latvia on June 10 ended Emergency to declare the new coronavir announced on 12 March. The virus is still circulating and there is no medicine or vaccine for it. Certain restrictions still apply to reduce the spread of Covid-19. This year, Covid-19 due to Aglona the festival will be heldsubject to special safety rules. Participation in the festival will be possible only by special invitations, and currently the congregations are identifying those who wish to participate.

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