Covid-19, EU – Baltic States, EU – CIS, Latvia, Markets and Companies, Retail

From December 5, a requirement will come into force that only pharmacies, including veterinary pharmacies, and shops will be allowed to operate on weekends and holidays, where only basic necessities, which mean foodstuffs, hygiene goods and fuel, may be sold. 

Goods such as alcohol and cigarettes will not be allowed to be sold in shops on weekends and public holidays.

After yesterday's government meeting, Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) explained that the aim of these new measures was to restrict the sale of goods which are not essential. "The basic idea is that Saturdays and Sundays are not shopping days, and they are not days when we can afford to go to the store or meet friends," said Karins.

The government also decided that from December 3, in all shops and where customers are served, one visitor will have to be provide an area of 15 square meters. Information on the number of people allowed inside must be clearly visible at the entrance. In small space areas, visitors will only be allowed to go inside one by one.

Businesses, including shops, will have to ensure that people who do not wear a face mask or are doing so incorrectly are not allowed on the premises and cannot provide services to those who do not comply with epidemiological safety requirements.

All stores and the shopping center, regardless of the total sales area, will be open on weekdays from 6 am to 8 pm.

Subject to epidemiological safety measures, beauty care providers - hairdressing and manicure providers - will be allowed to operate.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers yesterday decided to extend the state of emergency period until January 11.