Lithuania to follow new EU recommendations on travel from China

In response to the worsening Covid-19 situation in China, Lithuania, together with other EU countries, is reviewing the safety recommendations.

This week, a meeting of EU experts decided to urge member states to require Covid-19 tests for passengers arriving from China.

However, Audrius Ščeponavičius, head of the Public Health Department at the Health Ministry, said that the new recommendations do not mean that the coronavirus situation in China poses a new threat to Europe.

“According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention, the same strains are prevalent in China and Lithuania. So, it is not a new threat. That is why the EU expert meeting only made recommendations for risk management,” Ščeponavičius said.

One of the recommendations was that travellers coming from China should have an antigen test carried out at least 48 hours before their flight.

“Some countries with direct flights from China – Spain, Italy, France – already require these tests. Others are discussing and working on technical issues. We’re also looking at testing passengers on transit flights. We’re monitoring the information and will react according to the situation,” the Health Ministry representative said.

China (associative image) | AP nuotr.

Another EU recommendation is the testing of wastewater.

“At the moment, wastewater tests are being carried out in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. According to the EU recommendations, this should be done specifically at airports. We’re looking into the possibility of doing it at Vilnius International Airport,” Ščeponavičius noted.

Only around 1,600 Chinese travellers arrive in Lithuania every year, he added.

According to the Heath Ministry, there are currently no plans to restrict travel from Lithuania to China. However, it is recommended that those visiting the country wear a medical mask, are vaccinated, and have health insurance.

A dozen countries have recently imposed new travel rules for tourists from China as the world’s most populous country has seen an increase in Covid-19 infections following the easing of strict restrictions.