It remains important to observe safety requirements at retail outlets

A large proportion of the restrictions have now been lifted, and our everyday lives are increasingly returning to the rhythm in which we were accustomed to living and working before. Restrictions on gatherings and movement for residents, as well as restrictions on the activities of our businesses, have been eased. The retail sector was one of those that had to adapt to new operating conditions several times during the Covid-19 period, including, for many, having to suspend operations for several months. The Ministry of Economics, bringing the campaign “Safety Comes First”, dedicated to safe retailing and shopping, to a close, expresses its gratitude to every retailer who invested tremendous effort to make shopping safe, and to every customer for complying with the prescribed safety requirements and retailers’ instructions.

It is summer, and in the hot weather people are increasingly hurrying to enjoy Latvia’s nature and the refreshing waters, spending less time in cities; nevertheless, we must all still remember to exercise caution. Covid-19 infection rates are falling, but service providers must continue to strictly observe the safety requirements in force in order to protect both their employees and customers as much as possible.

For almost a year and a half, retailers have implemented various measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 at retail outlets. Several measures, such as disinfecting shopping baskets or regularly monitoring the operation of ventilation systems, have already become habits, prompting consideration of whether these rules should also be observed in the future, after the pandemic ends.

Dāvis Vītols, head of the LCCI Trade Council, emphasises the long-term benefits of the safe retailing concept: “Trading companies and retailers in general have approached the Covid-19 epidemiological safety requirements with great responsibility, providing various solutions for complying with them, which they will continue to implement in the future as well.”

Business representatives, meanwhile, have indicated that the pandemic has, in a way, also encouraged the introduction of new quality standards or improvements to existing ones.

Laila Vārtukapteine, Commercial Director of SIA ELVI Latvija: “Although the easing of restrictions is very, very welcome to everyone, the virus and the disease do not read the rules – one accident may be enough to cost a life, so we will continue to care for a safe retail environment with the highest sense of responsibility. During the pandemic, we have all learned a great deal and understood that a safe environment, both in shops and elsewhere, begins with each individual’s actions – those of both employees and customers.”

The Ministry of Economics, in cooperation with the SKDS research centre, conducted a second study as part of the “Safety Comes First” campaign. It revealed that society is paying increasing attention to compliance with safety measures at retail outlets, identifying the use of face masks and the regular and proper ventilation of premises as the most important measures.

Respondents were asked to choose which of the basic principles of safe retailing they considered more important for in-person shopping to be safe. The survey data show that 77% of respondents believe it is important to wear masks, while 76% of respondents highlighted the importance of ventilating and airing premises. Compliance with other safety requirements, meanwhile, is considered less important - 58% identified maintaining a two-metre distance  as important, while 49% agree with limiting the number of people. At the same time, it should be noted that 64% of Latvia’s residents understand the seriousness of the situation and acknowledge that it is possible to become infected with the Covid-19 virus anywhere, including at retail outlets.  

Assessing the company’s experience during Covid-19, Dace Dovidena, Chairwoman of the Board of SIA “Narvesen Baltija”, notes: “The experience of the past year and a half under Covid-19 restrictions will have a lasting impact on retail companies. Safe shopping and hygiene requirements will certainly remain, and safe working conditions will also be ensured for employees so that they can perform their duties without concern.”

The survey data show that people still choose to purchase goods and products in person rather than use the opportunity to shop online - 64% of respondents indicated that they do not try to purchase as many products as possible remotely. It is important to add that this is also the group in society that indicated in the survey that it complies with all epidemiological requirements at retail outlets.

As part of the study, 1,005 active internet users, or respondents throughout Latvia, were surveyed, aged from 18 to 75.

During the “Safety Comes First” campaign, several dozen retailers participated in informing the public and shared their stories and experiences . Many of them also participated by displaying informational materials on the safe retailing concept in order to constantly remind customers of the most important restrictions. We remind you that the latest information on restrictions on retailing for residents, as well as informational materials on implementing safe retailing, will remain available on the website www.drosspaliekdross.lv after the campaign ends as well.

Author:

Public Relations Department

Ministry of Economics

em.gov.lv