People without Covid-19 certificates will have access only to essential stores as of next week

RIGA - As of November 15 until January 11, 2022, people without Covid-19 certificates, proving vaccination or recovery, will have access to the essential stores only, the government decided today.

Only stores with a floor space below 1,500 square meters with a separate entrance, selling food, medical goods, optical goods, pet food, press and hygiene goods will be available in the "unsafe regime" without the requirement for Covid-19 certificates.

These stores will have to ensure at least 25 square meters per customer. Pharmacies performing vaccination against Covid-19 or testing will have to ensure at least 15 square meters per customer.

Also, fuel stations, ticket booths in bus terminals and railway terminals, outdoor markets and street markets will operate in the "unsafe or red regime", while salespersons and customers will have to wear face masks also in outdoor territories.

Meanwhile, all other stores will be able to operate in the "green regime" for customers with Covid-19 certificates, ensuring 15 square meters of space per customer.

Stores may be open from 6:00 a.m. until 9 p.m., except for essential stores which have not limits of working hours.

Seasonal fairs, such as Christmas fairs, are not allowed for the time of the state of emergency.

At weekends and on holidays, stores and shopping centers with a floor space of more than 1,500 square meters are closed.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday adopted detailed regulations for "life after November 15", lifting the strict lockdown regulations and curfew, resuming on-site learning, etc.