A.Veryga indicated the conditions under which the quarantine can be revoked and the restrictions relaxed

You can watch S.Skvernelis’ remote press conference after the Government meeting here:

According to S. Skvernel, a decision on universal quarantine is inevitable. He is confident that this will have the effect of stopping the spread of the coronavirus.

The Prime Minister mentioned that quarantine or an emergency situation is also being declared in other European countries.

According to S. Skvernelis, the restrictions adopted by Lithuania are balanced, necessary to protect lives and the health system.

“Of course, our success will depend on how we follow both the instructions and especially the recommendations. Once again, I don’t need the government, or the government, or the politicians, but we all need it to protect our lives, our health and the economy. of the country and, most importantly today, the health system ”, he said.

S. Skvernelis mentioned that the local quarantine introduced in some municipalities gave results.

“It just came to our attention then. Even the measures that have been introduced in the so-called red municipalities are already working. This is an inevitable step, I hope those three weeks will be enough for us. After that, we will be able to live again maybe a little. more freely, but without relaxing as long as that threat persists, especially the threat to our health system, ”said the Head of Government.

After that, we will be able to live perhaps a little more freely again, but without relaxing as long as that threat persists, especially the threat to our healthcare system.

He will assess the situation after 3 weeks.

Health Minister A.Veryga said that specific criteria for the termination of the quarantine have not yet been approved.

According to him, it seems that in three weeks there will be a general assessment of the situation.

According to A.Veryga, it would first focus on several key indicators.

He mentioned that the growth and spread of new infections must be stopped.

“It’s the least that needs to happen to see anything on the mitigation side. And of course the situation needs to improve so much that we no longer need to reorient the healthcare system to help COVID-19 patients. I can only remember that one. initial number of our beds, which could have been allocated directly to COVID-19 patients, we are talking about 400 beds, which we calculate to occupy, you probably remember, we mention that 70% more than once. That is when the system health will return to normal, and if the spread stops and begins to decrease, then we can talk about making the measures more flexible, ”said A.Veryga after the government meeting.

Reject criticism of delay

When asked if he agreed with the criticism that restrictions imposed to stop the coronavirus were delayed, S. Skvernelis explained that this was not related to the Seimas elections.

He said that some politicians had spoken before the elections about not having to issue the first quarantine at all, following the example of Sweden, which had not.

“We just went consistently, according to those curves, we tried to really control it before it was possible with softer measures, and we tested the effectiveness of all those softer measures. Unfortunately some of them have worked, some have not. This is the situation in all European countries, not only in the European Union, but in all countries. So, accuse the Republic of Lithuania or the Government that this is the case, that is, to put it mildly, not for the whole purpose, ”commented the Prime Minister.

Accusing the Republic of Lithuania or the Government that this is the case, that is, to put it mildly, not for the sole purpose.

Ready to share experiences

The parties that make up the ruling coalition form two working groups.

One of them will evaluate the state budget project presented by the Government for next year, the other group will coordinate the management of the coronavirus pandemic.

S. Skvernelis explained that he was positive about such initiatives of future rulers.

According to him, one of the main tasks of the members of the new cabinet will be to introduce the approval of the state budget at the final stage.

“This is a great challenge for both the government and the new ruling majority. And preparing, evaluating whether most of the provisions that govern are in line with the program, is really the moment and the working group that has been formed has sense. When it comes to managing a pandemic, that should also be the acquisition. We are really willing to reiterate that we are willing to transmit all our experiences in a civilized way. You can judge: okay, not good to improve, but we are really I don’t want that proposal, which was made by the Minister of Health, to be reacted, let’s say, to put it mildly, strangely, as if the Minister is trying to shirk his responsibility. The government will really work until the last day and the last hour according to the mandate, “explained S. Skvernelis.

What will go into effect during the quarantine?

The government agreed to introduce quarantine throughout Lithuania starting on Saturday.

For now, it is scheduled to run until midnight on November 29.

After the entry into force of the quarantine, people must, among other things:

• being in public places in groups of no more than 5 people, except family members (spouse or person with whom a registered partnership contract has been concluded, children or survivors, etc.);
• observe a distance of at least 2 meters between people or groups of people (up to 5 people or family members), avoid direct physical contact, observe personal hygiene requirements;
• Wear masks or respirators in public places, other covering devices that fit comfortably and completely cover the nose and mouth (this requirement applies to all persons over 6 years of age).

Other requirements will also come into force: from the closure of public catering establishments (except those that provide takeout services) to distance higher education.

The government established on Wednesday when entrepreneurs will be able to request support.

Procedures will be established for companies to be eligible for support.

It is proposed that aid be granted to companies if their turnover has decreased by at least 30% or at least 40% of their activity in the sector of economic activity in question.

639 new cases

During the last day, 639 new cases of coronavirus were detected in Lithuania.

7 people died.

231 of the new COVID-19 diseases were registered in Vilnius, 105 – Klaipėda, 86 – Šiauliai, 55 – Kaunas, 47 – Telšiai, 42 – Tauragė, 36 – Marijampolė, 31 – Panevėžys counties.

5 cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Alytus County, 1 in Utena.

A total of 18,092 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the country.

5,082 people recovered from the disease and 12,765 were ill.

Currently 35,403 people need isolation.