Minister of Economics Jānis Vitenbergs: the aim is not to restrict any specific product groups

The government had to clarify the restrictions on sales and the provision of services on several occasions, as it caused not only confusion but also outrage in part of the public. The situation became even more confusing when the amendments originally announced started to be adjusted. The Ministry of Economics headed by Jānis Vitenbergs, representing KPV LV, played a significant role in these amendments.

Previously, the Minister of Economics and the party he represented - KPV LV - tried to allow manicure service providers to resume work, because hairdressers were not barred from practicing their profession.

They succeeded in this idea, but they failed to convince the representatives of the coalition that not only the shops selling basic necessities but also others should be allowed to work on weekends and holidays.

The Ministry of Economy and the government in general also had to work hard to indulge several groups in society. Namely, it was originally planned that neither press nor public transport e-tickets in Riga would be allowed to be purchased on weekends. It was also intended to prevent drivers from buying, for example, car oil or windshield wiper fluid at gas stations. These restrictions were also lifted.

It is possible that after the first weekend with special sales restrictions, the government will come up with new ideas. The Ministry of Economics should also have gained a greater understanding of economic developments in times of crisis.

Has this weekend shed a new light on the current sales restrictions? If so, what should be changed and what prevents it?

This crisis is a challenge for all of us, both entrepreneurs and other economic operators, who still have to adapt or even suspend their business since the spring following the government's measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, and the government, which must react just as quickly to offer support for those directly or most heavily affected by the epidemiological safety regulations in place.

In order to stop the widespread, uncontrolled spread of the virus in a society that is claiming the lives of more and more Latvians and could lead to serious economic consequences, the government approved strict and uniform restrictions that will apply throughout Latvia.

The proposal of the Ministry of Economics was to significantly increase the sales area per buyer - 15 square meters per buyer, to distribute customer flows as much as possible, without restricting sales either in time or assortment.

The proposal is based on the mathematical model of the University of Latvia scientists, which showed the progression of reducing the risk of disease by increasing the sales area per person, and taking into account the opinion of leading epidemiologists that bigger sales areas reduce congestion and infection risk.

The order limited this regulation to working days, and on weekends and public holidays the government decided strictly - only pharmacies work and in stores only groceries, except alcohol, and hygiene products can be sold. The last word here was for epidemiologists who see the situation as a whole.

Taking into account the public's concerns and uncertainties about sales restrictions on weekends and holidays, at the initiative of the Ministry of Economics at the Cabinet meeting on December 4 the conditions for trade on weekends and holidays were clarified, for example, to ensure safe driving for drivers, to clarify on the purchase of public transport tickets, etc.

The Ministry of Economics will offer some rational and, above all, safe improvements in this regulation, but I emphasize that it is now important to limit the spread of the virus.

I would like to emphasize that the purpose of this order is not to restrict any particular product group. The aim is to reduce crowding, including in shops and other outlets.

The sooner and more seriously the public understands and adheres to the meaning of these restrictions, the sooner we will stabilize the spread of Covid-19 infection and the sooner the restrictions will be lifted.

It also means a change in habits, because all the necessary goods can be purchased by residents even on holidays, through distance selling or the Internet.

The idea of both manicure providers and hairdressers ​​being able to work has been realized. What else would you like to convince the coalition partners about?

As I said before, all restrictions are aimed at one goal: to reduce the virus infection rate. As for the beauty sector, the government has reviewed the restrictions previously set, and now, by tightening the requirements, the sector can keep working.

Unfortunately, restrictions on full-fledged activity still apply to tourism, international transport in connection with travel and the cultural sector in connection with strict assembly restrictions.

In addition to the support instruments already available, these sectors need special support measures. The Ministry of Culture develops them for the creative people, the Ministry of Transport for the transport sector, and the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with the sector works on support programs for hotels.

How did it happen that such a chaotic list of restrictions came out of the government meeting that it needed to be clarified several times?

The government meeting was very long and difficult. It adopted a common framework, but nuanced guidelines, for example on the groups of goods that may be traded, had to be developed by the Ministry of Economics. Ministries in other sectors had the same responsibility. Of course, after long working hours, there were also shortcomings in the government's decision, but we corrected them very quickly.