Face masks will no longer be compulsory in most indoor environments from Monday, and will only be compulsory in medical and care facilities and public transport, the Ministry of Health said.
Moreover, the isolation period for people with Covid-19 will be reduced to five days.
“Although the wearing of masks will not be compulsory, it remains recommended in confined spaces where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance, where there is poor ventilation or where there is a larger gathering of people,” the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Masks will continue to be compulsory in health, care and nursing facilities and on public transport.
Deputy Health Minister Aušra Bilotienė Motiejūnienė told reporters on Wednesday that the public should assess the risks for themselves and perhaps wear a face mask indoors, especially during events.
According to the Health Ministry, the same mask-wearing rules are already in place in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France and will be in force in Latvia from April 1.
Mandatory wearing of masks remains compulsory in Estonia, Greece, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, Spain, Italy and other countries, while it is only recommended in Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Ireland and Iceland.
In Lithuania, there is currently a requirement to wear medical masks or respirators in shops, service outlets and educational establishments, with the exception of primary school students.
As of Monday, the isolation period for people with Covid-19 will be reduced to five days.
According to the Health Ministry, this change was adopted because the currently predominant strain of the coronavirus has a shorter incubation period.
The need for longer isolation will be decided by physicians after assessing each patient's health.
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