In a statement, LTRK Board Chairman Jānis Endziņš said: “These decisions, which relate to limiting trade, not only create a blow to the economy but actually contribute to the spread of the Covid virus rather than reducing it. The biggest mistake is the wrong management policy not based on data and arguments,[..] for nearly two years now, in a pandemic, the policy of restrictions is based on a hunch."
According to LTRK, the Ministry of Health takes little account of two very important criteria: in major shopping malls, all spaces are equipped with general ventilation systems which automatically ensure their ventilation, and CO2 measurements show that air quality is better than in small retail spaces. Secondly, if only persons with a Covid-19 vaccination or recovery certificate may enter the center, there is no difference in whether they are there on working days or holidays.
The LTRK stated that all shops in shopping malls should be allowed to work on weekends and holidays, thereby also reducing distortions of competition and unequal treatment of operators paying taxes in good faith.
