Economics Minister Jānis Vitenbergs had previously encouraged the safe-trade model to be extended to all shops. There is no consensus on this idea in the government.
According to the Minister for Economics, the “safe trade model” introduced on 8 February has justified itself, so he is prepared to encourage the opening of all shops. This will allow for a better division of customer flows and observation of distance, reduction of regional inequalities and eliminating competition advantages for individual merchants.
Health Minister Daniels Pavļuts has called the proposal irresponsible. According to him, the incidence of Covid-19 is currently too high to open all shops, and such manipulation by the Minister for Economics is unacceptable.
Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš has previously indicated that opening all shops would be a premature step.