The COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus was confirmed to have reached Lithuania in February 2020.The first cases of community spread were found in the country on 19 March and the first related death occurred on 20 March 2020.
The Lithuanian government initially declared quarantine from 16 March to 30 March, but it was extended several times and was set to end on 16 June.On 17 June, the quarantine was lifted.As of 13 September, coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all but one out of 60 municipalities in Lithuania: Birštonas. 14 March: Two new cases were confirmed. A male student (who also worked as a barista) returned home from Denmark to Kaunas Airport on 10 March, and went by bus to Vilnius, and from there to Kretinga Another male Lithuanian returning from Italy was tested positive in Vilnius and received treatment at Santara Clinics..Border control are reintroduced, preventing foreign nationals without work permits to enter the country.
24 March: Šilutė District confirmed its first case. Border control was extended for 20 days to 12 April. The quarantine was tightened – everyone was advised to mask their mouth and nose (with masks or scarfs), people were only allowed to be in public spaces in groups no larger than two, family members must shop alone. Also shops were mandated to control movement of customers within the shops. Also starting from 24 March, people who would come from abroad by plane to Vilnius Airport would be quarantined in a hotel. Late in the evening, the second death from COVID-19 complications was reported. A 90-year-old woman got infected at a hospital in Ukmergė, from which she was discharged on 16 March.
27 April: As per the third stage of the quarantine exit plan, hairdressers, manicure services, museums, libraries, golf and tennis courts, shooting ranges, wakeboarding parks, outdoor cafes, restaurants and bars are allowed to reopen. Outdoor activities such as sightseeing paths, parks, zoos, outdoor botanical gardens and observational towers are also allowed to reopen. Driving and aviation exams are able to take place. All of these businesses and establishments have to follow the previously defined operating guidelines – ensure 10 square metres per client or serve one person at a time.
11 May: Driving lessons and examinations in cars are allowed, as well as foreign language examinations for students who need language proficiency certificates. From 18 May, kindergartens and other pre-school education establishments and all beauty and dental services will be allowed to reopen. Private gym trainings and professional athlete trainings indoors will be allowed. Hospital visits will be allowed with doctor’s permission, and partners will be allowed during childbirth. Outdoor events of under 30 people will be allowed if organisers can ensure 2-metre distances between people and 10-square-metre space per participant.
18 May: All indoor places, including restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, casinos and entertainment venues are allowed to open, provided they can follow previously defined operating guidelines. Outdoor events with up to 30 people are allowed. Non-essential treatments are allowed to resume. Indoor sports activities are also allowed.25 May: Primary schools are allowed to resume teaching in classrooms. Higher and professional education is allowed to resume courses that cannot be held remotely.27 May: The government of Lithuania extended the nationwide quarantine to 16 June, and presented a further exit plan that includes allowing mass events with restrictions, lifting the limit of people allowed to congregate and removing border control with Latvia.
1 August: The government decided to bring back the requirement to wear face masks in shops and public transport. Lithuanian government lifted entry bans for EU and EEA citizens and residents travelling from countries that are most affected by the coronavirus. Instead, they will be required to undergo a coronavirus test prior to departure. Travelers from outside EU/EEA will still have to apply for permission to arrive. The requirement for all arriving travelers to register remains in place. 17 September: 62 new cases are confirmed, the largest single-day increase since 18 April.
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