Changes to the list of affected countries: 7 countries with COVID-19 mutations included

This means that the list of affected countries includes not only the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of South Africa, but also more countries where mutations have been detected. The list of affected countries has also been supplemented by EU countries marked in red on the maps of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

All travelers must have research and isolation.

New coronavirus mutations are already being reported in many EU and world countries, but 7 countries around the world are witnessing the spread of worrying new coronavirus mutations: Ireland, Denmark, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , the Netherlands, Brazil, Israel and South Africa.

All persons arriving from the affected countries as of Monday (January 25 of this year) must have a test result performed within 48 hours. prior to arrival, or to carry out an investigation upon arrival in Lithuania. Everyone is also required to be in isolation for 14 days, with the option to shorten the isolation on their own after a 10-day study.

It is important to note that different isolation conditions persist for those who come from countries where the mutations are spreading and from other countries. The conditions for the isolation of countries affected by mutations are stricter: it is not possible to walk and leave the isolation area when a person needs urgent medical attention and therefore goes to a medical institution, as well as to a mobile point. With the permission of the National Public Health Center (NVSC), people in isolation can go to a funeral, change the location of isolation, or go to a health care facility for other health care services. People from countries where virus mutations have spread can isolate themselves in a separate apartment or house, in another well-insulated floor of a single apartment or house, or in a separate isolated room with a separate bathroom. Isolation is only possible with people who travel together, with the exception of minors who can live with relatives who do not travel and who have to isolate themselves for the same period.

Arrivals from other affected countries can walk 1 km, leave the isolation zone without informing or permission from the NVSC according to the established list of reasons. In addition, they can be isolated in the same apartment with non-traveling family members, only in another room, restricting movement in the home and reducing the shared use of common space.

The Ministry notes that, in some cases, isolation may not be available. For exceptional occupational groups and those who come for important medical reasons or important family matters (funerals or visiting terminal patients), only a coronavirus test is required. The list of such exceptions is even shorter for foreigners from third countries.

All persons, crews and crew members in transit through Lithuania working for companies engaged in international commercial transport or carrying out international commercial transport in all types of vehicles do not need to be isolated or carry out an investigation.

It is important to note that those who are relieved or vaccinated according to the full vaccination schedule also do not need to be examined or isolated if they have a medical certificate or vaccination certificate (with translation into Lithuanian, English or Russian) about relapse in the 90 days prior to arrival or vaccination.

Stricter measures have been taken for travelers in light of the latest risk assessment published by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). As the ECDC emphasizes, viruses are constantly changing due to ongoing mutations. Some of them do not play a major role in spreading the virus, but others can make the virus spread faster or cause a more serious form of the disease. Currently, several mutations in the coronavirus that cause COVID-19 are being observed around the world, threatening a higher rate of spread and the consequent deterioration of the epidemiological situation.

Based on the latest available information, the probability of such coronavirus mutations entering and spreading in the EU is considered high or very high. And given the higher rate of spread of the mutated coronavirus infection, this is likely to increase the number of hospital admissions, as well as the number of deaths, especially among people at risk, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases.

To reduce the risk of new coronavirus mutations entering and spreading within countries, along with other non-medical coronavirus prevention measures, ECDC recommends eliminating unnecessary travel and strengthening measures for travelers, including testing and isolation. Especially in areas where there are new mutations of the coronavirus are observed to spread.

Here you can see a virtual map of the affected countries, prepared by the ECDC according to the traffic light principle.

The list of affected countries is published every Friday, takes effect on Monday, and is valid for one week.