Unlike other immigrants, a number of cultural workers from countries with high Covid-19 disease will not have to adhere to strict self-isolation upon arrival in Latvia. Such an order was adopted at the initiative of the Minister of Culture.
The new rule applies to a total of 10 people working in the industry, such as directors, actors, musicians, concertmasters and other cultural professions.
The 14-day self-isolation will be ignored by those cultural workers whose arrival in Latvia is related to the organization of or participation in a work-event. Such an exception will not apply to every immigrant, but only to those who have received a special invitation from the organizers.
The order stipulates that before arriving in Latvia, the artist will have to present a negative Covid-19 test. The organizer of the event or the institution that has invited the artist to Latvia will be responsible for the health condition of the immigrants.
’14 days, which is the period during which symptoms of the disease may appear and may fall ill, must ensure the artist’s self-isolation outside working hours. This means that a person will not use public transport, that the organizer of the event will provide transportation of this artist and a place to perform work or provide services, ”says Lita Kokale, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Culture.
Also, the artist will not be allowed to stay in places with a large number of people outside working hours. The exception is a visit to the store, during which time it will be mandatory to wear a face mask. The Ministry of Culture points out that such a step is necessary to support the sector, which is still in a difficult situation.
“So that, for example, the National Opera and Ballet, the film industry, can resume operations. Of course, strictly observing all the established restrictions, to start rehearsal processes and start concert processes from September 1, such an order is necessary, ”Kokale points out.
The Ministry emphasizes that the risk has been assessed. The Ministry of Health also points out that if the artist really follows all the rules, there should be no risks in society. However, it should be remembered that more and more Covid-19 patients have recently come from abroad.
“Therefore, it is also the employer’s decision whether or not to pose a risk to his employees in this way. In addition, we have provided recommendations to mitigate these risks. For example, invited artists can perform laboratory examinations upon arrival in Latvia, ”says Jana Feldmane, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At present, both the National Opera and Ballet and those working in the film industry have shown interest in attracting immigrants.
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