Šimonytė: Consideration is being given to opening all stores on April 12

After the meeting with the merchants, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė confirms that the Government will consider the possibilities of opening the shopping centers next week and, if the epidemiological situation allows it, they could start working as of April 12. The meeting focused on the possibility of opening large supermarkets to adapt to the conditions of the pandemic.

“We listen to business expectations, and although the epidemiological situation in Lithuania is still not improving, we are looking for a way to enable safe operation not only in supermarkets, but also hope that mandatory employee testing, accelerated vaccination, compliance from other security requirements gradually open up opportunities for culture: both for outdoor and indoor events, ensuring the highest possible security.

The final decision will be made by the Cabinet of Ministers taking into account the situation after Easter, so this weekend is very important for current trade in managing flows and encouraging people to comply with security requirements ” Prime Minister I. Šimonytė said in the report.

According to the prime minister, representatives of commercial companies have ensured that they will make joint decisions on how to ensure safe trade and tend to adapt to expected conditions.

In order for a company to safely and smoothly resume operations, periodic tests of its employees will be mandatory. Regular testing will allow rapid monitoring of infections, thus protecting companies not only for their employees but also for those around them.

“Supermarkets have the opportunity to guarantee safe operations, monitor the flow of people, take care of the health of employees and customers. There are also a number of small businesses working here, so it is very important to follow the path of openness. In addition, with the opening of supermarkets, those stores that do not have an entrance from the outside could work again. The quarantine and restrictions cannot continue forever, so we hope that next week these decisions will be possible, ”said Minister of Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė.

Vainienė calls it good news

“Two main topics and several related to safe activities were discussed. The definitive opening of the store, the opening of supermarkets, the stores that operate in supermarkets were discussed, and according to today’s plan, it is expected that the Wednesday and if a positive decision is made, it will become effective on April 12 “, says R Vanienė

He appreciated that this is good news for traders.

Traders have also applied for additional help, as some traders are not covered by the current grant packages.

“Commerce is a somewhat specific activity, it has a stock factor. Inventories need to be sold and their sale generates revenue, but also losses at the same time. The current support plans do not take this circumstance very much into account. It was decided not to adjust current packages due to the priority of speed and support for all activities. But maybe we need to do our homework, maybe some modifications are possible. But this is not the question of the day “, – assured R. Vainienė.

Business assistance issues were also discussed at the meeting. The government changed the concept of the Second Grant Package this week in response to requests from merchants and restaurants and hotels. First, from 70 million. up to 120 million euros The budget for this aid measure has been increased by EUR. Second, the cartel of falling turnover was reduced from 60% to 50%. – This will allow more companies to request help. Third, the profit ceiling has been raised from 100,000. EUR up to 350 thousand. This will lead to higher profits for the affected companies.

Currently, 7.28 million are allocated to commercial companies. Subsidies in euros (received by 3.7 thousand companies). It is the most supported sector since the COVID-19 pandemic and accounts for almost a fifth of all trade subsidies. Business companies can also apply for soft loans.

R. Vainienė told the BNS news agency that it is not yet clear what specific requirements could be set for stores operating within supermarkets, but that there will be no problems implementing them.

Stronger quarantine requirements have been established since December 16, some stores in supermarkets, market pavilions still cannot operate.

Currently, 15 m2 is applied to basic necessities, such as food, veterinary, opticians, pharmacies. meters of space per visitor request. Non-essential shops can only operate if they have a separate entrance from the outside, they are subject to 20 m2. meters of space per visitor request.

On March 10, Prime Minister I. Šimonytė assessed that the opening of shops and other businesses was a matter for the next few weeks, but the opening of the business was postponed due to the deteriorating epidemiological situation.