The current pandemic affects us all.  The best way that we can help medics in the fight against the coronavirus is to be critical about information that we receive.  We must separate between truth and conspiracy theories, and we must be responsible.  That is why JSC “Latvijas Finieris” has come with a timely photo story, calling on people to trust science during this difficult period.

“The situation with Covid-19 in Latvia has gotten to the point where, for the first time in our company’s history, we feel compelled to address people with a social campaign. The virus is continuing to spread, and that threatens our colleagues, families, friends, neighbours and everyone. We are a part of Latvia, respect and safety are among our company’s corporative values, and that is why we feel obliged to support medics who are currently on the front lines of this crisis.”

Uldis Biķis, the company’s chairman of the Supervisory Board.

Starting on January 11, “Latvijas Finieris” will be putting up posters in those areas of the Pardaugava neighbourhood in Riga where it has its main manufacturing facilities. The posters will show employees of the company with short slogans that call on people and the public to be responsible. The campaign will also take place in the Internet environment.

“Science is a global system which is constantly developing itself. It is only thanks to close international co-operation and the transfer of knowledge that we have access to technologies that we use to manufacture our products, as well as to medications that we can purchase at a pharmacy to combat disease.”

It is clear that medicine, as an area of science, will eventually conquer Covid-19, but it cannot do so alone. People must understand, be involved and act responsibly so that the achievements of sciences are put to adequate practice. Sadly, the age of social networks means that it is easy to yield before the temptation of trusting fake news and conspiracy theories, thus basing decisions and behaviour on false information. Media skills and a recognition of fake news are as important now as ever before. This is no exaggeration. This directly applies to our lives and to those of others.

“In our manufacturing, finance and resource planning and land management, we base our decisions on the latest achievements of science. During the pandemic we have tried to ensure as safe a work environment as possible for our employees, always keeping in mind the recommendations from epidemiologists which are based on science. Manufacturing cannot be done virtually.”

There have been infections, of course, among the company’s more than 2,000 employees, but thanks to a responsible approach toward safety requirements, only in a few cases has there been a transfer of the virus from one colleague to another. In all other cases, the infection has occurred away from work.

“I am thankful to employees who make sure every day that the virus will not spread further. As a team, we want to thank medics from the bottom of our hearts, because the most difficult work in dealing with this pandemic is right on their shoulders.”

Photo gallery available here: https://www.finieris.lv/docs/Dokumenti/Citi/UzticiesZinatnei2021/TrustScience_ENG.zip