Lithuania extends coronavirus lockdown, tightens rules

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, April 9, 2020
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VILNIUS, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government extended on Wednesday the nationwide quarantine until April 27 with additional measures to prevent breaches of the lockdown and ensure people's safety.

"We hope that after the Easter holidays it will be possible to start considering the easing of the quarantine conditions, first of all as regards small businesses," said a statement by the office of Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.

"It will happen provided that we all behave properly during the Easter weekend. Once again, I ask for responsibility towards yourself and others. Stay at home, do not visit grandparents, parents, relatives living in other cities," said Skvernelis.

In order to minimize movement and avoid gatherings during the upcoming holiday weekend, Lithuanians will be banned from leaving their municipality of residence between 8 p.m. on April 10 and 8 p.m. on April 13.

Exceptions will apply in cases of death, serious illness or accidents with family members or relatives involved, as well as in the case of necessary work or the provision of necessary medical care.

Three thousand police and other service officers will be deployed to enforce the lockdown, and 300 checkpoints will be set up, the government stated.

As of April 10, the wearing of personal protective equipment will be mandatory. People will be obliged to cover their nose and mouth. Until now, people have only been advised to wear masks in public.

The Lithuanian government first introduced a nationwide lockdown on March 16, with the majority of shops (except food stores and pharmacies), cafes and bars closed. Public gatherings are forbidden and schools, universities and pre-school institutions remain shut.

According to the Ministry of Health, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Lithuania climbed to 912 by Wednesday morning. Fifteen people have died and eight have recovered. Enditem

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