Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda put on lockdown ^{Nnew coronavirus restrictions in Lithuania}

Besides the three major cities, quarantine is being introduced in the districts of Silale, Sirvintos, Telsiai, Trakai and Vilnius.

"We propose that (…) mask-wearing ne mandatory for all persons over the age of 6 in all public places," Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga said during the Cabinet meeting. The government backed the proposal soon afterwards.

Masks will not be mandatory outside the limits of residential areas when there are no people within the radius of 20 meters, except for relatives.

All in all, 21 municipalities in Lithuania have been put under lockdowns so far.

New restrictions imposed

As the coronavirus continues to spread in Lithuania, the country's government has on Monday introduced new restrictions. Gatherings will be restricted over the upcoming days, sports matches will be held without fans, and face mask will be mandatory in all public spaces in the municipalities being placed under lockdown.

During a remote meeting on Monday, the Cabinet decided to place Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and another five municipalities under lockdown as of Wednesday. Residents will be obliged to wear face masks in all public spaces with a few exceptions. Masks will not be mandatory outside the limits of residential areas when there are no people within the radius of 20 meters, except for relatives.

Tighter controls of people's flows at cultural, leisure, entertainment and sports venues will be introduced in municipalities within the quarantine zone and they will need to ensure a space of at least 10 square meters for one visitor.

Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga also said he would propose to the government on Wednesday to ban events and gatherings. If the Cabinet approves that, fans will not be allowed to attend professional sports matches. Such a ban would come into force on Friday.

"All events and gatherings held in closed and open spaces would be banned, except for top-level sports matches that would be held without fans. It means that all matches in arenas, held with audiences, they will have to be without audiences," Veryga told journalists.

The ban, however, would not apply to cultural events with tickets sols online, proper access control and a distance of 2 meters among members of the audience are ensured.