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Confusion about third parties
The prime minister’s original wording caused concern among travelers on Thursday: It was unclear from which countries returnees would have to isolate themselves. Only after 15 minutes This has been clarified.
“The case of people with Uzbek coronavirus infection in Kaunas has clearly demonstrated that we need to improve the procedure for foreigners to come to Lithuania. The solution is as follows: for arrivals of so-called non-OECD third countries, the COVID-19 tests and two weeks of isolation will be mandatory, ”Skvernelis initially posted on Facebook.
This wording has made a mystery: which country is the Prime Minister specifically talking about?
Non-EU countries are generally considered third countries, but the Prime Minister will mean non-OECD countries. This would mean that self-isolation and mandatory testing would be mandatory upon return from countries such as Croatia, Malta, Cyprus. Croatia has recently seen an increase in COVID-19, but Cyprus and Malta have even fewer cases than Latvia or Estonia.
Cyprus and Croatia are just two of the few destinations to which Lithuanian tour operators now transport tourists. Tourists travel to these countries on regular flights, and flights to Malta have not yet resumed. Last week was travel to Bulgaria was interrupted due to an increase in COVID-19.
Post 15 minutes S. Skvernel’s message on Facebook was corrected and supplemented: “The solution is as follows: for those who come from so-called third parties, Non-European economic area and the OECD countries, the COVID-19 tests and two weeks of isolation will be mandatory. ” This means that Croatia, Cyprus and Malta will not be classified as third countries.
You may still need to isolate yourself
However, this is not yet a guarantee that when you return from vacation, for example in Croatia, you really won’t have to close your home for two weeks. Every Friday, the Ministry of Health announces where 14 days of isolation are required on arrival. It will now be supplemented by third countries, but morbidity statistics remain the main criterion.
“The necessary legislation is currently being drafted for the innovations to take effect from next week. Third countries will be included in the list of countries affected by the coronavirus, from which 14 days of self-isolation and testing will be required upon arrival in Lithuania “, 15 minutes Lina Bušinskaitė, Adviser to Minister Aurelijus Veryga, commented.
The recent deterioration in Croatia’s statistics could push the country to the list of those affected, including those with a coronavirus incidence rate of more than 25 cases per 100,000 in the past 14 days. population. July 10 The indicator for Croatia was 22.7.
The next flights to Croatia will take place at noon on Friday, so travelers will probably only find out if they have to isolate themselves next week when they return to Dubrovnik.
For those who threaten, there are penalties.
S. Skvernelis also spoke about the statement by one of the foreigners that he intends to go to the city and infect other people.
“It just caught our eye then. We will not tolerate such threats being reported in the media. Statements” I will go out into the city and infect others “and similar or appropriate behavior will be responded to in a strict and principled manner. The visa for those people will be annulled, they will be deported from Lithuania, ”said the Prime Minister, adding that, to his knowledge, in this particular case, the police officers are already working, an investigation is being carried out and the necessary measures will be taken.
According to the NVSC, a total of 19 cases of coronavirus were detected Thursday at the logistics company Hegelmann Transporte. At least 17 of those infected are people from Uzbekistan who worked as long-distance drivers. The company’s 200 employees are also being tested for the virus,
Employees of the commercial city of Kaunas, Urmas, also began investigating, as it was learned that drivers infected with coronavirus from Uzbekistan had visited this market more than once. According to company representatives, Uzbeks were able to visit the currency exchange offices.
If the situation worsens, the rules and requirements will change
S. Skvernelis also spoke about wearing masks.
“The Ministry of Health was instructed to establish a specific criterion for the number of infected people per 100,000 inhabitants. Upon reaching it, a mechanism would be activated that would allow considering and establishing the mandatory use of masks in certain areas, for example, in supermarkets , public transport and other places, “wrote the Prime Minister.
In addition, in the near future, the responsible ministries will issue recommendations to guarantee the necessary security measures in the events, which will allow the number of participants in the events to be unlimited as of September.
“I emphasize that we are talking about current conditions at the moment. The epidemiological situation in Lithuania is and will continue to be constantly monitored, if it deteriorates, the requirements and rules will change,” said S. Skvernelis.
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