President Notification No. 8 of 2020 on Basic Principles of Activity of State Constitutional Bodies in an Emergency Situation

This is to announce that the President of Latvia and the heads of the State constitutional bodies implementing the legislative power, executive power, and judicial power - the Chairperson of the Saeima, Prime Minister, President of the Constitutional Court, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court - have acknowledged in a joint session that the basic principles of State activities to manage the emergency situation are as provided in this Notification. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, an emergency situation has been declared in the State since 12 March 2020, and such situation has an impact on everyday lives of the State, society, and each person. The Constitution states that the existence and sustainability of the State, society, and each person within a democratic system of the State must be protected in any circumstances, also in emergency situations. In order to ensure uniform, systemic, and clear practical operation of all the involved authorities in the State during this emergency situation, the Cabinet shall establish system for the operational management of the emergency situation. Every inhabitant has an obligation to fulfil all the regulations issued in relation to the emergency situation. Every inhabitant is also invited to follow any recommendations made by State authorities and public officials for managing the emergency situation and, as far as possible, to take care of themselves, their relatives, and the common good of the society, to participate responsibly and to promote the management of the emergency situation.