Specialised computer and telecommunications stores will also operate on site in large shopping centres

The Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to Cabinet Regulation No. 360 “Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of Covid-19 Infection” adopted on 9 June 2020, at the meeting of 8 April, deciding to expand the range of stores that can operate on site in large shopping centres, including computer and telecommunication equipment stores on the list.

Consequently, in large shopping centres, i.e., in shopping centres with a total sales area of more than 7000 m² and where at least five retailers or service providers operate in individual sales outlets, computer, computer peripheral equipment, video game control panel, and standard software retail outlets will be allowed to operate on site as specialised telecommunication equipment retail stores (corresponding to NACE 47.41 and NACE 47.42).

Currently, these stores, located in large shopping centres, are allowed to operate for providing services, but the sale of mobile phones and computers is not permitted. These activities are essentially inseparable (provision of services and sale of equipment), and it is very important to ensure the availability of both computers and mobile devices now that people work remotely and children learn remotely. It should also be noted that not infrequently, especially in smaller cities, these types of stores are only located within shopping centres, therefore, it is exceptionally difficult for people to purchase such goods, if these shops are not operating.

Please note that from 7 April of this year, in the conditions of increased security, all stores outside large shopping centres have resumed on-site operation, while in the large shopping centres only service outlets and certain types of stores are allowed to operate. The organisation of street trade (or fairs) is also allowed, subject to ensuring compliance with the safe trade protocol for all outdoor trade.

In order not to cause crowding in points of sale, incl. the forming of long queues, especially on public holidays, we invite residents to:

• visit the store individually (except for with a child or an assistant),
• plan the necessary purchases in advance,
• plan their shopping so that the purchased goods last for a longer period of time,
• remain in the store for as short a time as possible.

We would like to remind you that compliance with the requirements set for merchants and customers is monitored by the State and Municipal Police, as well as by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre, which has the right to control compliance with the requirements for the maximum number of visitors and the implementation of epidemiological safety measures in the internal control systems.

As of 7 April of this year in frame of enhanced safety conditions, at the shopping centres with a total sales area of more than 7000 m² and at least five merchants or service providers operating in individual points of sale, only the following can operate:

• the grocery stores where food is sold comprising not less than 70% of the assortment of goods;

• the stores where hygiene goods are sold in the amount of not less than 70% of the assortment of goods;

• pharmacies (including veterinary pharmacies);

• optical goods stores;

• pet food stores;

• flower stores;

• bookstores;

• press outlets.

   

At the same time, the operation of service providers (for example, dry cleaners, financial institutions, repair services, etc.) is allowed in shopping centres, but further it is not allowed to issue goods purchased via distance sales in stores!

All the latest information on safety requirements for merchants is published on the website of the Ministry of Economics. Samples of internal control system rules for small points of sale developed by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre are published on the CRPC website. In turn, informative materials for informing visitors about safety requirements are available on the website of the informative campaign “Safe stays Safe”.

Find out more on the amendments approved by the Cabinet of Ministers to Regulation No. 360 “Epidemiological Safety Measures for the Containment of the Spread of Covid-19 Infection” adopted on 9 June 2020 on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers; for the final version of the amendments please refer to www.likumi.lv after publication.