RIGA, Feb 2 (LETA) - The Economics Ministry will today propose letting all retailers reopen their stores, Economics Minister Janis Vitenbergs (KPV LV) said in an interview with Latvian Television. 

"According to our proposals, all retail enterprises would be able to work but in limited conditions," Vitenbergs said, adding that the ministry proposes to limit the number of shoppers allowed into stores at a time, ensuring at least 25 square meters per person. Also, each store would have to have an employee tasked with ensuring compliance with said safety requirements. 

"It is important to us as Economics Ministry that all retailers can work in equal conditions. At present, the situation is not equal for all - there are enterprises that can work and there are some that cannot work, and then there are enterprises that can work only partly," the minister said.

He also indicated that public discontent with the existing regulation is growing, with the Competition Council receiving an increasing number of complaints about breaches of fair competition. "We would not like this situation to develop further," Vitenbergs said. 

As reported, the government and the Crisis Management Council are scheduled to meet on Tuesday to decide on extending the state of emergency beyond February 7 and consider some adjustments to the existing Covid-19 restrictions.