SAM: Isolation shortening to 10 days no longer applies to everyone

Everyone who came into contact with the patient had the opportunity to reduce the 14-day isolation period by two weeks, from October 26 to November 9. This was possible when a laboratory test for COVID-19 was performed no earlier than day 10 of isolation and was negative.

As the Ministry of Health explains, the procedure had to be changed due to the deterioration of the epidemiological situation.

“These changes were determined by the epidemiological situation assessed, the scope of the investigation and the desire to ensure the availability of the investigation in cases where it is really necessary. It should be emphasized that the main means of prevention and management of the spread of the coronavirus after contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 is not testing, but isolation, ”said Neringa Mikėnaitė, representative of the Ministry in BNS on Tuesday.

According to the current order of the Minister of Health Aurelijus Veryga, the isolation period can be shortened for employees of medical institutions, apprentices, employees of pharmacies operating in medical institutions who have direct contact with patients.

Isolation can also be shortened for the president and his advisers, the president of the Seimas and his deputies, the prime minister and his advisers and clerks, the ministers, his advisers and vice ministers, the chancellor and his deputies, the Border Guard Service of the State, customs, police, Public Security Service, Officers of the Command Security Service, firefighters and rescue workers, military and civil personnel of the National Defense System, personnel of institutions of the Lithuanian diplomatic service.

Isolation of these individuals can be terminated if a laboratory test for COVID-19 is performed within 10 days of isolation and a negative result is obtained.

All other people must be isolated for 14 days from the date of the last exposure.