After mandatory return of self-isolation, warns travelers: a message is also being sent to residents about Poland

In its press release, SAM emphasizes that the number of Covid-19 cases in the Baltic states is constantly decreasing, but it is more cautious regarding Poland, whose Lithuanians have been waiting for the opening of their borders.

“Epidemiological data released by the government on Monday shows that the number of newly detected cases of COVID-19 is constantly decreasing in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The downward trend is also seen in neighboring countries, but the number of cases Recently detected in Russia and Belarus remains high and entry from these countries remains limited.

The curve for new cases is also slower in Poland, although it already meets the criteria that allow Lithuania to enter Lithuania without restrictions, ”the press release said.

At an informal government meeting Monday, reviewing trends in the spread of coronavirus in Europe, the Ministry of Health (SAM) urges residents to pay attention to morbidity rates abroad and to carefully choose travel directions . Although the situation in the three Baltic States is improving, the incidence remains high in neighboring countries, and some countries in south-eastern Europe are experiencing a rapid increase in newly diagnosed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).

SAM reminds that everyone who comes from abroad has the opportunity to be examined, even if they do not feel any symptoms. Those who wish should call the short number 1808 and register.

The ministry noted that new cases in the Scandinavian region are mainly detected in Sweden, which is one of the few European countries that does not apply strict quarantine restrictions. It is still included in the list of the countries most affected by the coronavirus, therefore, citizens of this country and people legally residing in it are still unable to enter Lithuania. Lithuanian citizens returning from or passing through Sweden are subject to a 14-day quarantine.

The situation in some south-eastern European countries shows that the lifting of quarantine restrictions should not be relaxed. In Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, northern Macedonia, Croatia and Montenegro, the number of cases has started to grow rapidly in recent weeks.

Among Central European countries, there was a greater increase in the number of new cases in the Czech Republic, where COVID-19 cases in recent days are reckoned in hundreds instead of tens.

In Ireland, the number of new cases remains stably low. The UK, France, Italy and Spain are stable, while Portugal has recently seen an increase in cases.

Mandatory self-insulation returned

Delfi recalls that the two-week self-isolation obligation for Lithuanian citizens who have returned from the 50 countries most affected by the coronavirus, including Sweden, Russia and Belarus, was reintroduced since Monday. According to the Ministry of Health, this is being done with increasing morbidity rates in these countries.

Until now, self-isolation has only been recommended for citizens returning to Lithuania from countries affected by the coronavirus. The entry of foreigners from these countries is also prohibited, except for separate permits from the Government of Lithuania or other authorized institutions.

“Previously, returnees from affected countries were only recommended to isolate themselves, and since June 29, 14 days of isolation are mandatory for them. Isolation was not mandatory, only the recommendation was valid. Data were collected on arrivals from affected countries, and the procedure was tightened due to the deterioration of epidemiological indicators in certain foreign countries, “the ministry said on Monday at the BNS.

According to the SAM, the list of countries most affected by the coronavirus is updated weekly based on the previous indicators. The most affected countries are those in which the 14-day morbidity rate exceeds 25 cases per 100,000. population.

If the number of COVID-19 cases in a foreign country in the last two weeks is 100,000. the population is 15 to 25 cases, foreigners from that country can come to Lithuania, but it is recommended to isolate them.

Currently, foreigners from 29 countries can come to Lithuania, and as of Monday, people from the UK can do the same.

The ministry notes that, for example, Sweden, where the indicator exceeds the established maximum of 25 cases, is subject to stricter regulations and foreigners are not allowed in, and returning Lithuanians must isolate themselves as of Monday. From the United Kingdom, where the incidence exceeds 15 but less than 25 cases per 100,000. Residents, foreigners can already come, only for themselves, as well as for returning Lithuanian citizens, it is recommended to isolate.

List of the most affected countries: