Lithuania has been conducting genome-sequencing on positive COVID-19 samples to detect mutations, including the Delta variant, for surveillance purpose for some time now. However, it takes up to two weeks until the results are available. This means that people who test positive recover and the isolation period for those in contact with them end by the time the results come in, according to the Health Ministry.
"Following the detection of the first Delta cases in the country, it was decided to introduce, in addition to the current mutation testing, tests for [...] the Delta strain for all people diagnosed with the coronavirus," it said in a press release.
The results of the additional testing come back within 24 hours, enabling the responsible authorities to act as swiftly as possible to stem the spread of dangerous strains, according to the ministry.
The enhanced control measures include testing of low-risk contacts and mass testing in workplaces, schools or communities.
Six cases of the Delta variant had been officially confirmed in Lithuania so far, based on the latest official statistics published by the National Public Health Surveillance Laboratory on Wednesday.