Latvian Ministry of Economy has submitted to the government a proposal to let all shops open up in epidemiologically safe environments in shopping malls. The alliance of real estate developers supports this proposal on behalf of shopping malls because it is based on tangible research on the quality of air.
According to CO2 level measurements in shopping malls, the quality of air there is high, making them epidemiologically safer than small shops, which often do not have extensive ventilation systems but are allowed to provide services regardless.
Measurements were performed by Riga Stradins University Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases between April 15 and 20.
Findings show that the level of CO2 in shopping malls is between 395 and 690 ppm – the lower the CO2 level, the better the quality of air.
“This data proves shopping malls are epidemiologically safe. This makes it possible to open up shopping malls. This topic was previously discussed at a meeting on April 29. Epidemiologists who attended this meeting voiced no objections towards results of measurements,” according to the Alliance of Real Estate Developers.
As previously reported, to turn attention towards the influence of professionally organized ventilation systems on CO2 concentration levels, five shopping malls – Alfa, Domina Shopping, Gallerija Riga, Galeria Centrs and Origo – performed air quality measurements with help from RSU at shopping malls and shops that were permitted to open and service customers.
“The restrictions active in the trade sector create a situation that not only distorts competition but also increases concentration of shoppers in shops permitted to operate. With measurement results we have confirmation that shopping malls have better air quality than smaller shops – an average of 475 ppm,” says chairman of the Alliance of Real Estate Developers Martins Vanags. “For comparison – a used shop store in the center of Riga, which remains open and where shoppers gather very regularly, has CO2 concentration levels of up to 989 ppm, which means the risk of Covid-19 transmission is high. We believe this situation should be prevented and epidemiologically safer locations should be allowed to open and contribute towards recovery of the economy.” (BNN/Business World Magazine)