Beauticians and cosmetologists join calls for Pavluts' resignation

RIGA - The Latvian Association of Beauticians (LSSA) and the Latvian Association of Cosmetologists and Cosmeticians (LKKA) have joined other healthcare-related organizations' demands for Health Minister Daniels Pavluts (Development/For) to resign, the two associations' leaders informed LETA. 

The associations also believe that the prime minister and the government as a whole should share responsibility for the situation, as two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, Latvia proved unprepared for the third wave of infections. 

LSSA president Sabine Ulberte indicated that the Health Ministry has failed to keep its promise not to restrict the work of vaccinated services providers. The beauty care sector has complied with all the requirements and achieved one of the sector's highest vaccination figures, but it is again one of the first to be shut down amid rising Covid-19 incidence. 

Ulberte said that the beauticians have been banned from working since October 21 and left without any possibilities to earn income, while there is still no clarity about support instruments. 

At the same time, the beauty care and cosmetics sector expects the government to keep its word and allow the beauticians and cosmetologists to resume work as soon as possible, otherwise the people working in this industry will be forced into shadow economy, warned LKKA president Renate Reinsone. 

As reported, the  call for Pavluts' resignation, initiated by the Latvian Medical Association, was later joined by the Latvian Nurses Association, The Latvian Trade Union of Health and Social Care Employees (LVSADA), the Latvian Association of Junior Doctors, as well as the Latvian Association of Family Physicians.