Eight soldiers test positive for coronavirus

Three of the soldiers of the Grand Duke Kestutis Mechanized Infantry Battalion, stationed in the western district of Taurage, were isolated after developing symptoms on August 27 and their test results came back positive the next day, the Armed Forces said in a press release.

Five more cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Friday after testing soldiers who had contact with the infected ones.

Soldiers who had had close contact with the infected people were immediately quarantined in special premises, and the remaining soldiers of compulsory and professional military service were isolated in their barracks.

The battalion has taken measures to prevent the spread of the infection, including disinfection of premises, mandatory wearing of facemasks, and suspension of visits by soldiers' family members and other people.

Some 461 solders began their compulsory service in the battalion on August 3 and 453 soldiers were sworn on August 21. They were released home for the weekend after the ceremony.