Dulkys: lockdown could be extended until early March

“I’d forecast that lockdown restrictions could be extended for another month,” the minister said in comments sent to BNS by his spokeswoman, Aiste Suksta.

The lockdown is now set to last until the end of January and the decision on its extension will be taken by the government.

The minister would not forecast when lockdown restrictions could be eased.

“It depends on the number of infections. Now we have a 14-day infection rate of more than 500 new cases per day per 100,000 inhabitants. When the number of cases falls considerably and remains stable for 14 days, then we can expect gradual easing of restrictions,” Dulkys said.

The minister told the Verslo Zinios business daily on Friday that the lockdown, in his view, would be extended for another month and its easing could only be expected well into February.

As part of the nationwide lockdown, in effect until January 31, most shops and services are closed in Lithuania and there are restrictions on people's movements and gatherings.