The owners of small shops are concerned about the moment the vaccination requirement comes into force. There is no certainty whether there will be enough employees to keep the shop open. This is particularly topical in the small rural shops, which are far apart and where a small number of people work. If one closes, access to groceries could be very difficult.
The network of stores “Elvi” works on a franchise principle. Many of the company's stores are in remote areas and are relatively small. Shop network spokeswoman Vineta Grigāne-Drande said that there are colleagues who do not want to be vaccinated, so there will be some problems in providing the required number of employees. The lack of employees could result in shorter working hours of the shops.
Grigāne-Drande also added that not everyone who agreed to be vaccinated will be able to obtain a certificate by November 15, because the possibilities of vaccinating in different regions are slightly different. This means that part might also have to leave for a few days until the certificate comes into force.
There is no information that an Elvi store should close completely but the possibility remains that in one rural area or another residents might be left without a shop.
