S.Skvernelis: If three weeks of quarantine does not work, you will have to “tighten the screws” even more

The quarantine in Lithuania is announced by decision of the Government from Saturday at midnight. It is valid for at least three weeks.

S.Svvernelis told reporters at the Seimas on Thursday that we have to wait patiently for three weeks. At the same time, he explained without hesitation that the stricter measures would work.

“We really need to stabilize this exponential increase so that it no longer exists, to stabilize the situation in health facilities. And if we achieve that result in three weeks, we will be able to re-impose those restrictions that have been introduced, eliminated or reduced,” he explained.

If quarantine doesn’t work, according to S. Skvernelis, the only way is to “tighten the screws.” But that would be the most difficult path and not a very good one.

“If we see that there is no result, we will have to make the fewest possible number of these social contacts. (…) But economically, psychologically, it would be a really great damage”, emphasized S. Skvernelis.

If we see that there is no result, it will be necessary to make the least possible amount of these social contacts. (…) But economically, psychologically, that would be a really great damage.

However, he mentioned that according to doctors, experts, and also based on the experience of other countries, after the quarantine announcement, a positive result is achieved quite quickly.

Asked whether the curfew could be one of the strictest measures if the current quarantine measures did not have the expected effect, S. Skvernelis explained that then the Seimas should introduce a state of emergency in the country.

“Then there would be such a solution, but, as I said, here is an extreme measure, for which I really don’t see any basis now. But what will happen in three weeks, the new Seimas, the new government, the new majority will decide,” he said. the first Minister.

The number of infections should decrease

Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga explained that for the quarantine to be lifted, the growth in the number of people infected with coronavirus must first be stopped.

“It just came to our attention then. And, of course, the number of cases should start to decrease, without change in the number of tests, the percentage of positive tests detected in 100 subjects should decrease. Of course, this should be accompanied by a decrease in patient flow, ”he said.

If the situation due to the spread of COVID-19 did not improve, according to A.Veryga, other things that are not vital would be abandoned in the first place.

“It just came to our attention then. Because we probably will not resist giving up health services because they are vital. First, the parties renounce what is not vital to man. It’s as if we’ve given up on entertainment venues, we’ve given up cultural events, other things without which a person can stay a bit. Without food, there will be no food stores to operate. That would be the logic, ”said the Minister of Health.

Says it leaves finances stable

S. Skvernelis believes that after the announcement of the second quarantine, the new government will find a good economic situation.

The head of government assured that during the second quarantine opportunities for business assistance are provided. They were also discussed at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday.

“Everything is there and the new government will really get stable and balanced public finances, sustainable financial discipline, which we have demonstrated. And it will be up to them how they handle it. We sure are responsible and we do not leave the state as if we were in a flood. Certainly, not even those thoughts exist and never have been. We did everything hoping to continue working as we did. I think the situation is good enough, “said S. Skvernelis.

We are sure we are responsible and we do not leave the state like we are in a flood.