COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania

The first to receive the vaccine were healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients,[18] followed by the elderly and other senior age groups with medical conditions.

[21] On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.

[33] On the same day, the government ordered the closure of all educational institutions including kindergartens, public schools, and universities for two weeks with a recommendation to utilise online learning.

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.

[45] 17 March: A man of over 60 years of age who returned to Panevėžys from South Africa (via Istanbul Airport) was tested positive.

[48] In the evening, three more cases were confirmed in Vilnius – they had visited Belgium (Brussels), Switzerland (Geneva), France (Méribel), the United Kingdom (London) and Cuba.

[74] 25 March: Major coach companies temporarily suspended their intercity routes in Lithuania due to extremely low demand.

[84][85] Mayor of Klaipėda announced that six patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 in the region were now clear of the condition, bringing the total number of confirmed recoveries to 7.

[92] 4 April: The borders with Belarus and Russia were closed for passenger transport, leaving only two open checkpoints (with Poland and Latvia) for returning citizens, transiting foreigners and those with a residence or work permit.

[citation needed] 14 April: According to National Public Health Centre officials, 73% of all cases are domestic and there are 40 active hotspots across the country.

[110] 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.

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.

[115] The Lithuanian government detailed the next phase of the quarantine exit plan that would go into effect gradually over a few weeks, including opening indoor cafes and removing the mandatory requirement to wear masks.

Covering the face outdoors is still mandatory in markets and other places of commerce, events, tours, as well as public transport stops and stations.

[116] 15 May: Residents and citizens of Estonia and Latvia are able to enter Lithuania, provided they had not travelled outside the Baltic states in the previous 14 days.

[116] 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.

[10] 15 July: 21 new cases are confirmed, the largest single-day increase since 10 May, after an outbreak in a transport firm connected to migrant workers from Uzbekistan.

[118] 17 July: Foreign nationals coming to Lithuania from countries outside the European Economic Area would be required to self-isolate for two weeks.

[119] 24 July: 26 new cases are confirmed, the largest single-day increase since 10 May, due to multiple outbreaks in family festivals and transport firm in Kaunas.

[citation needed] 1 August: The government decided to bring back the requirement to wear face masks in shops and public transport.

[122] 17 August: Lithuanian government lifted entry bans for EU and EEA citizens and residents travelling from countries that are most affected by the coronavirus.

18 October: Vilnius City Municipality set out new safety guidelines for food serving and entertainment venues in Vilnius: facemasks are required both indoors and outdoors except when eating, drinking or smoking; maintaining physical distance is required; business owners are recommended to take clients' temperature and register all visitors, as well as asked to upload photos of guideline enforcement to social media using a specific hashtag.

[citation needed] 8 November: Record number of 1,980 new cases are confirmed, the largest single day increase since the start of the pandemic.

[citation needed] 13 November: Record number of 2,066 new cases are confirmed, the largest single day increase since the start of the pandemic.

[citation needed] 20 November: Record number of 2,265 new cases are confirmed, the largest single day increase since the start of the pandemic.

[citation needed] 22 November: Record number of 2,307 new cases are confirmed, the largest single day increase since the start of the pandemic.

The government also decided, that from 10 December, museums and galleries will be allowed to reopen as long as existing quarantine rules are observed – keeping a two-metre distance between each visitor and limiting the flow of people to ensure 10 square metres per person.

[citation needed] 3 December: Record number of 2,445 new cases are confirmed, the largest single day increase since the start of the pandemic.

[142] 25 February: Partial lifting of lockdown: wearing face masks no longer required outdoors, while travel between cities and neighboring municipalities are now allowed.

[153] By night, new panels arrived with assistance from the Lithuanian Air Force[154] and mobile testing facilities resumed their work following day.