The Lithuanian government decided on Wednesday to extend the nationwide quarantine until midnight on December 17.
“Even though we are seeing a slow down of new infections, we still have a difficult situation,” Lithuanian Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga said on Wednesday.
The second nationwide quarantine began in Lithuania on November 7 and was meant to last until November 29.
Veryga said the initial idea had been to extend the quarantine for a month until the end of December. However, the government decided to prolong it until 23:59 on December 17, leaving it up to the next government to extend it again if need be.
Read more: Lithuania increases isolation period to 14 days, reversing earlier cut
Easing restrictions
On December 10, museums and galleries will be allowed to reopen as long as existing quarantine rules are observed – keeping a two-metre distance between each visitor and limiting the flow of people to ensure 10 square metres per person.
People will also be able to visit in groups no larger than two, or more if from the same family.
If the coronavirus situation in the country does not improve, however, the government may decide to cancel the reopening, according to Veryga.
Existing restrictions
– People are advised to avoid contacts outside their households. Private contacts should be limited to two households and up to 10 people.
– People must not congregate in public places in groups bigger than five people, unless they are members of the same household. Groups must maintain at least 2-metre distances and avoid physical contact.
– No more than 10 close family members are allowed to attend occasions like funerals and weddings.
– Moving around the country is allowed, but people are recommended to avoid unnecessary travel.
– Restaurants and cafes are only allowed to serve food to take away.
– No restrictions are imposed on supermarkets and pharmacies. Other retailers must manage client flows, maintaining 10 square metres per customer.
– Hairdressers, beauty salons and tattoo parlors are allowed to remain open, but are required to manage client flows.
– Gyms, swimming pools, SPA centres, museums, cinemas, and theaters will be closed.
– Sporting events are allowed without spectators.
– Nurseries and primary schools will remain open, while secondary schools must move at least 50 percent of their classes online. Colleges and universities must switch to remote teaching.
– Health care institutions must continue providing necessary care, while non-necessary treatments can be suspended to ensure resources for Covid-19 effort and essential care.
– Public transport may limit the number of passenger to ensure that at least 1-metre distance is maintained.
– Facemasks are mandatory in all public places, including on the street. Masks are not required for children under six, during exercise, and outside towns and villages where distances of at least 20 metres can be maintained.
– Hospital visits will not be allowed, except for family members visiting terminal patients, children under 14 and patients in maternity wards.
More information about coronavirus-related restrictions are available on the Lithuanian government's page.
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