Given the current epidemiological situation, the Government has decided today to continue under the lockdown until 16 June 2020 while further easing the restrictions. The amended Resolution provides for an increased number of spectators in events, and longer working hours for restaurants, cafes and other catering establishments.
According to Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis, the easing of the lockdown has shown that people continue to behave responsibly irrespective of the relaxed restrictions, therefore we can slowly get back to normal.
‘People have been until now very disciplined as regards isolation and wearing of protective equipment, therefore, we can count on them as we proceed towards normality, which, however, will hardly ever be the same’, said Saulius Skvernelis.
According to the State Commander of National Emergency Operations, Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga, the epidemiological situation is regarded now as good in the country, but people returning from other countries must behave responsibly, as the situation is still volatile.
‘I hope that the returning people will act responsibly, keep a close eye on their health condition, and, if necessary, contact the National Public Health Centre or seek medical attention, otherwise we may as well get back to square one,’ said the Minister.
Travelling
Citizens of the countries of the European Economic Area, the Swiss Confederation and of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and persons lawfully residing in these countries, who arrive from these countries will be allowed entry to Lithuania as of 1 June, provided that the incidence of COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) in their country has not exceeded 25 cases/100 000 population in the last 14 calendar days. The list of such countries will be approved and made public every Monday by the State Commander of National Emergency Operations. No 14 days’ self-isolation will be required for the returnees from these countries. Nor will the self-isolation be applicable to those whose country of residence is on the list of countries that are not subject to isolation. This list will be drawn up in accordance with the criteria agreed by the Baltic States and published on Mondays.
Entry will be allowed to foreigners entitled to reside in Lithuania, representatives of the diplomatic corps, NATO military, international commercial transport operators, health care professionals, high-performance athletes, artists, journalists, as well as people transiting through the territory of Lithuania on their return to their country of residence. The National Public Health Centre will continue, however, the screening of all the people coming to and leaving the country.
Regular passenger flights to Lithuania will allowed only from the countries approved by the Government. Those returning from the countries that have not been listed by the state commander of national emergency operations, will have to self-isolate for 14 days. This will not apply in the case of the residents of Estonia, Latvia and Poland, provided that for the past 14 days before the entry to the Republic of Lithuania, they did not travel in other countries.
Economic activity, events and work requirements
Services and retail trade will continue to follow the requirements laid down by the State Commander of National Emergency Operations for the management of the flow of people, safe physical distance, and other key requirements for public health safety, hygiene and the provision of persons with necessary personal protective equipment.
Catering facilities, restaurants, cafés, bars, nightclubs, other entertainment venues, gambling houses (casinos) and amusement arcades, bingo halls will be allowed to stay open from 8:00 to 23:00 hrs. as of 1 June. Exceptions will apply in the case of takeaway food, or when food is delivered to the homes, premises of companies, establishments or organisations, or in the case of outdoor catering, or when gambling houses (casinos) and amusement arcades, bingo halls have no catering services.
1-15 June, cultural, entertainment, sports and other events will continue as outdoor events, where people stay in their cars, or events with the maximum of 300 spectators. The distance of at least 1 meter between people will have to be ensured, except family members. Indoor events can be attended by up to 100 spectators keeping the distance of 2 meters from each other (except family members), and ensuring filling of maximum 30% capacity.
As of 16 June, outdoor cultural, entertainment, sporting or other events will be allowed to gather up to 500 spectators, and indoor events - up to 150 spectators, provided that all the safety requirements are met.
Petrol containing less than 10% of biofuels may be sold at fuel points of sale, subject to quality standard requirements, until 10 June 2020.
Organising and carrying out education
Pre-school, pre-primary and non-formal education of children can be carried out in schools, provided that health requirements are met. As regards primary and pre-secondary education in schools, the school manager and founders of each educational institution decide case-by case as to continuing on the remote mode.
Organising activities in social care establishments
Visiting group residence homes, orphanages, childcare homes and foster families shall be allowed provided the safety requirements are met. What is not allowed as yet, is visiting people in prisons and residential social service institutions for the elderly and for persons with disabilities. Likewise, it is prohibited to provide day care and short-term social care or social welfare services to the elderly in non-residential social service institutions.
Health services in medical facilities will be provided following the public health safety requirements, while restricting patients’ flows, providing remote inpatient services. Routine inpatient health services will resume only after the medical facility prepares and agrees on infection control management and phased service renewal plan.
Nose and mouth covers
Face masks, respirators or other protective equipment must be worn indoors, also outdoors: in marketplaces and other public trading venues, events, excursions, public transport boarding points, public transport and other gathering places.
Nose and mouth covers are not required when eating and drinking in catering establishments, when exercising, also in the pool or sauna.
The quarantine regime shall be effective as of 16 March 2020, 00:00, until 16 June 2020, 24:00.
To view Government Resolution No 207 declaring quarantine on the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, please click this link (In Lithuanian, new version as of 1 June 2020). Unofficial translation of resolution can be found here.
Key information on coronavirus is available at: www.koronastop.lt/en/
Public Information Group