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“A South African Republic virus strain has been identified in Lithuania, which not only means faster spread, but may also mean certain challenges in vaccination,” I. Šimonytė told the Seimas on Tuesday.
According to the prime minister, currently two cases of this strain of coronavirus have been confirmed in Lithuania, as well as, according to her, there are several cases of suspicion. However, in which municipality the cases of the South African coronavirus strain were recorded, the prime minister did not specify.
“Taking into account the fact that news has come in today about the established strain of coronavirus from the Republic of South Africa, I did not rule out that it might be necessary to consider some adjustments,” said I. Šimonytė.
“We will look at the information on where the spread of the PAR mutation (COVID-19 – ELTA) has been identified and then we will consider what steps should be taken to prevent it from spreading too much, as this is already a risk for vaccination. Other. strains put us at greater risk of getting sick, perhaps more difficult to get sick, and here we are talking about the risk of vaccination, and that is not something we can joke about ”, the Prime Minister also emphasized.
According to her, different quarantine regimes may be established in different municipalities.
“It is possible that only with very aggressive chimney tests and constant preventive tests we can maintain the yellow municipalities, which are now yellow, and the municipalities where, sadly, the situation is deteriorating, Vilnius is among them,” I think. Vilnius will be black this week. Municipality in terms of the number of cases, not only in terms of the number of positive tests, therefore, I do not see any reason to talk about important exemptions without the appropriate control measures, ”said I. Šimonytė.
A variant of the new coronavirus identified in South Africa may be less sensitive to COVID-19 vaccines, according to some researchers.
To date, Lithuania has encountered a rapid spread of the British strain of coronavirus, which is more contagious and more likely to die from it.
Prime Minister: I don’t see any reason to talk about big parties or gatherings during Holy Week
Prime Minister I. Šimonytė says that the increasing number of COVID-19 infections in Lithuania and the spread of new strains of this virus provide no reason to think about larger gatherings next Easter.
According to the Head of Government, currently the Lithuanian population must be especially careful and have experienced even the slightest symptoms of a cold: take a test for COVID-19.
“My general recommendation for people would be very simple: if you experience at least the slightest symptoms of a cold, contact us as soon as possible and get a COVID test, because we see the number of cases spreading.
It is especially widespread in the main cities: Vilnius, around Vilnius. It spreads that strain which is more contagious than the traditional virus, and it is really necessary to do it safely to keep Easter safe, ”I. Šimonytė told reporters at the Seimas.
“Speaking of some movements, big celebrations or gatherings during Easter, I really don’t see any reason,” he said, recalling how COVID-19 infection rates have increased since Tardia.
“After Late last year, we had a very rapid increase in cases. We really wouldn’t want to see a situation like this, considering that the increase in cases is very fast even now, “he said.
The decision on possible quarantine restrictions during Easter will be considered next week, taking into account the latest data, as Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė said on Tuesday.
“No such decisions should be made this week, but next week we will meet and discuss the current situation at that time,” A. Bilotaitė told LRT radio on Tuesday.
He promises to decide to tighten up next week.
We recall that last Monday, the Prime Minister said that next week a decision would be made on the regime for the continuation of the quarantine in April.
If the epidemiological situation in the country does not improve, the government will decide next week on the regime to extend quarantine restrictions in the country, the prime minister said on Monday.
“Next week, the government will have to consider under what regime and with what requirements to extend the quarantine order to April. That discussion will probably not be that simple, because, as you can see for yourself, the situation has not really improved anyway. no way, ”said the Prime Minister after vaccination with the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
ELTA recalls that universal quarantine was introduced in Lithuania from November 7. The new government, taking into account the recommendations of the experts, on December 13. decided to tighten the quarantine.
A stricter quarantine has been announced in the country until March 31.
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