Lithuania Introduces Stricter Measures to Curb Spread of New Coronavirus Variants

Due to the possibility of new COVID-19 variants spreading throughout the European Union (EU) countries, Lithuania has agreed to implement more stringent steps for travelers.

The restrictions will begin as of Monday, January 25, 2021, and every individual returning from countries affected by new COVID-19 mutations will be required to show test results performed within 48 hours prior to arrival, or upon their arrival in Lithuania, AtoZSerwisplus.com reports.

The list of countries which will be affected by severe restrictions will include the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, the Republic of South Africa and other countries where the new variants have been detected.

New COVID-19 variants have been detected in many European countries as well as other countries of the world. However, several countries have seen a more serious spread of mutations, including:

• The United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Northern Ireland
• Denmark
• The Netherlands
• Brazil
• Israel
• South Africa

Individuals returning from these countries will be obliged to quarantine for 14 days in Lithuania and will also have the chance to shorten the period of isolation after ten days, upon getting tested for COVID-19 at their own costs.

Measures for those returning from countries where there is a more serious spread of new mutations are more severe, meaning that the latter will not be allowed to walk outside but will be allowed to leave the isolation facility in case they need urgent medical care.

Whereas people returning from less affected countries will be allowed to walk 1 km, leave the isolation facility without the consent of NVSC and will also be allowed to quarantine in the same place but another room with non-travelling family members.

“With the permission of the National Center for Public Health (NVSC), people in isolation may go to a funeral, change the place of isolation, or go to a health care facility for other health care services,” a press release issued by Lithuania’s Ministry of Health reads.

There are exceptions for some groups, including those who come for important medical reasons or family matters such as funerals or visiting patients. For the latter, only a Coronavirus test will be required.

Also, individuals or crew members in transit through Lithuania who work in companies focused on commercial transport do not have to be quarantined or carry out a test.

Earlier this month, Lithuania’s Ministry of Health announced that citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland entering Lithuania would have to self-isolate for ten days upon their arrival.