RIGA, May 24 (LETA) - In order to improve Covid-19 vaccination pace in Latvia, the largest shopping malls have voiced readiness to place vaccination centers in their premises, said representatives of the Alliance of Real Estate Developers (NIAA).

NIAA representatives said that shopping centers are appropriate for vaccination not only because of the floor space, but also because these premises are epidemiologically safe, according to data by the Riga Stradins University researchers.

Also, the sector calls on the government to decide on renewal of operations of all shopping centers, thus, at the same time, promoting increase of vaccination pace and economic recovery in an epidemiologically safe way.

The largest shopping centers have voiced readiness to cooperate with the Health Ministry and open vaccination centers in Riga and regions.

As reported, the study, carried out at shopping malls Alfa, Domina Shopping, Galleria Riga, Galerija Centrs, and Origo, found that the average CO2 level in shopping centers was 475 ppm, which is considered very good air quality. For comparison, the letter mentions that CO2 level at an unnamed second-hand clothing store in downtown Riga, which is visited by a large number of customers each day, is 989 ppm, which means a higher risk of Covid-19 transmission.