After thanking scientists for continuing their work and active efforts in finding the socially most appropriate solution despite disturbing times, Egils Levits said he is delighted to see Latvian scientists getting ready to test the first vaccine candidates in laboratories of Swiss partners. Out of 70 research teams looking for vaccine worldwide, two teams are from Latvia.
Genome ‘decoding’ (sequencing) has had a profound effect on the current efforts, confirmed the scientists. It gives instant access to latest data, detects virus mutations commonly found in Latvia and allows to map the spread, enabling authorities to find the most acceptable response model from public health point of view. 25 samples were sequenced. In 12 of those samples unique mutations found only in Latvia until now were discovered. Sequencing also identified at least four ways in which virus has arrived in Latvia. Egils Levits emphasised that he is pleased about the past achievements of local scientists that put them on the same level with the world’s brightest scientific minds and will lead to vital future solutions.
Scientists warned that current situation might last for years and everyone might need to adjust. President Levits emphasised the need to create efficient research platforms at the national level to be able to overcome various current challenges and prepare our nation for future contingencies, to which Jānis Kloviņš replied that Latvian scientific community is already compiling ideas and producing suggestions on what sorts of improvements Latvia needs to implement in foreseeable future.