The scene was repeated this Sunday a little by several parts of the country. Several shopkeepers in shopping centers expressed their support for the closure of large stores. Videos available on social networks show protests in at least three major shopping centers in the Lisbon area, Colombo and Vasco da Gama and Almada Forum, and three others in the northern region, Braga Parque, Forum Aveiro and Arrábida Shopping.
“We want to go home!”, “Go home” and “close, close” were the most repeated phrases. The workers in these large shopping centers complain that at this time, given the growing case of infected with the covid-19 virus in Portugal, and at a time when distance between people is recommended, keeping stores open represents a danger to health.
“If beaches and bars close, if restaurants can only have 1/3 of the places, why not the same with shopping malls? Unless it was imperative social needs (supermarkets and pharmacies), why insist that they remain open? If the bosses are not aware or considerate of who works, it is up to the Government to make decisions and determine clear rules for the private sector that also protect these workers “, asked José Soeiro, deputy of Bloco de Esquerda, on social networks .
The Government decreed on Sunday that, at the limit, a shopping center or commercial store should not have a simultaneous occupation of more than four people per 100 square meters, excluding workers and service providers.
The decision, announced through the Ministry of Economy and Digital Transition, results from the application of extraordinary and urgent measures in the face of the Covid-19 contagion, among which initiatives that increase the possibilities of social distance and prophylactic isolation.
The restrictions imposed are related to the access and the allocation of spaces in commercial establishments and in restaurants or beverages, through an ordinance published today.
Thus, the allocation of spaces accessible to the public by retail establishments, large commercial areas and commercial complexes must “observe the maximum indicative occupancy rule of 4 people per 100 square meters of area”.
This provision means – the Government specifies – that, at the limit, a shopping center (commercial complex) or a store (retail trade) should not have a simultaneous occupation of more than four people per 100 square meters, excluding workers and service providers. services.
“The ratio established allows circulation in these establishments that safeguards the recommendations of social distance in force, without prejudice to economic operators establishing more restrictive values”, explains the Ministry of Economy.
On the other hand, the allocation of spaces accessible to the public in catering or drinking establishments should be limited to one third of their capacity, the same note adds.
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