Lithuania bans groups of more than 2 people ^{also temporary stalls in stores}

Outgoing Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga told the Cabinet that the coronavirus situation "remains difficult" and although new daily infection numbers have stabilized, "they are still high, putting a huge burden on the health sector".

The restriction on the size of groups also applies to non-formal education classes and while providing accommodation service and organizing religious rites.

The new rules ban setting up temporary stalls unless they are physically separated from other commercial spaces. The ban does not apply to stalls selling food products and fireworks, and to mall kiosks.

Stores, shopping centers, marketplaces and other retailers are recommended to refrain from various sales promotion measures, such as sales, discount hours and tastings, that attract large flows of people to one place. The recommendation does not apply to e-commerce.

A second lockdown was introduced in Lithuania on November 7 for three weeks to stem the spread of the coronavirus, but the measure was last week extended until December 17 as the situation was not improving.

The measure includes mandatory wearing of facemasks for everyone aged over six years in all public spaces and a ban on all events and gatherings, except for high-performance sporting events without spectators.

Restaurants, bars and cafes, nightclubs, casinos and other entertainment venues, and gyms, pools and SPA centers are closed. Certain restrictions also apply to healthcare services, retail operations, schools and public transport

The government has allowed people to visit museums and galleries and take part in excursions in small groups as of December 10, but has said it might revise the decision the situation does not improve.