New stage of lockdown: outdoor cafes, hairdressers, museums may reopen

However, strict safety restrictions continue to apply.

In open-air cafes, only two people are allowed to sit at one table and those seated at different tables must be least two meters apart.

Some cafe owners doubt whether it will be cost-effective for them to reopen, because of the high costs of meeting the restrictions.

In an effort to make it easier for open-air cafes to meet the requirements, Vilnius Municipality has said it is opening more public spaces, such as parks and some streets, for their operations.

People will not be allowed to visit cultural, leisure, entertainment and sports establishments in groups of more than two, unless they are members of the same family.

These establishments as well as hairdressers and nail salons will have to ensure 10 square meters of space per customer or serve only one client at a time.

The easing of the quarantine restrictions also applies to organizing driving and aviation exams, and visiting golf and tennis courts and other outdoor sports fields, and outdoor zoos and botanical gardens.

The ban on solariums, massage parlors, tattoo parlors and depilation services remains in place for now.

The Lithuanian Bishop's Conference has announced that Roman Catholic churches will be able to celebrate Masses with congregations, except on Sundays, but will have to follow safety guidelines.

Some kindergartens are also expected to reopen starting Monday to accommodate children whose parents have to go to work.

The government last Wednesday extended the nationwide coronavirus lockdown until May 11.