Latvia, like Estonia, will lift the restrictions imposed on open hours for service providers and events for New Year’s night, as confirmed by the government.
Amendments passed by the government to the order on the declaration of a state of emergency state that stores located in shopping malls will be able to open up for weekends and holiday. Amendments will come to force on December 24.
Changes to the regulations governing activities of bars, restaurants and other culture and entertainment locations on New Year’s night from 23:00 to 06:00 were added, considering New Year’s celebration traditions.
Previously the Estonian government decided that for December 31 and January 1 the restriction for bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues to remain open past 23:00 would be lifted.
Service provision at shopping malls was prohibited on weekends and holidays due to epidemiological safety reasons. This ban did not extend to stores selling essential goods, however.
At the same time, amendments also state that if it is not possible to completely separate the flow of people receiving services in a safe and unsafe environment at bus or railway stations, Covid-19 certificate inspection should be organized outside the places working in the so-called green regime. (BNN/Business World Magazine)