Lithuania: Authorities implement nationwide lockdown Dec. 16. /update 17

Lithuania implements nationwide lockdown from Dec. 16; significant business and travel disruptions ongoing.

Event

Authorities in Lithuania are implementing a nationwide lockdown from Dec. 16 following significant increases in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections in the country. As part of the lockdown, the following measures are in effect until at least Jan. 3:

Individuals may only leave their home for essential purposes including shopping for groceries, essential work, and for health or other urgent reasons.
Travel between municipalities is banned except for limited essential purposes. Authorities have set up a number of police roadblocks to enforce the travel ban.
Meetings between households are prohibited.
All nonessential shops and businesses must close.
Most educational facilities to switch to distance learning.

Citizens and residents of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the UK, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are allowed to enter Lithuania. Lithuanian authorities designate some of these countries as higher risk and require travelers to produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 48 hours prior to arrival, or take such a test within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until the result is known. As of Dec. 14, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the UK, and the Polish voivodeships of Lesser Poland, Lubusz, Opole, and Podkarpackie, in addition to Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay are designated as higher-risk locations.

Most citizens and residents of other countries remain barred from entering Lithuania, with only limited exceptions, such as Lithuanian citizens and residents and their immediate families, health workers, transport workers, and persons traveling for exceptional reasons to be approved by authorities on a case-by-case basis. All individuals arriving in Lithuania via public or private transport must register online with the National Public Health Centre (NVSC) at least 24 hours before arrival; this does not apply to persons transiting by air and remaining airside for the duration of their layovers.

Nationwide, many nonessential businesses have reopened, provided they implement strict hygiene and social-distancing requirements. Authorities continue to encourage remote working when possible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.