Minister expects to avoid lockdown but says restrictions may tighten

Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrine Armonaite expects that the country will not have to impose a new lockdown, but says restrictions may be tightened further to stem the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Commenting on a recent outcry about the COVID-19 immunity passport, the minister said on Thursday that the government would have to introduce a general lockdown if it revoked the certificate.

"With the National Certificate in place, there might be further restrictions. I am not ruling that out," she told the Ziniu Radijas radio stations. "Such [restrictions] as the requirement to keep a greater distance, stricter hygiene requirements, and wearing one's mask properly, rather than on one's chin only."

As of Friday, all smaller shops, markets and pharmacies that serve customers without the immunity passport will have to ensure at least 30 square meters of floor space per customer or serve only one customer at a time.