Police Commissioner General Renatas Pozela said that the posts will be only set up at entrances to municipal centers, but controls at airports and seaports could be stepped up, too.

The posts will be open from 1 p.m. on December 18 to 9 p.m. on December 20, from 1 p.m. on December 23 to 9 p.m. on December 27, and from 1 p.m. on December 31 to 9 p.m. on January 3, Bilotaite told a news conference.

About 920 police crews will be working on the roads and streets on these days, some 170 more than usual, according to the minister.

"On other days, there will be mobile controls and we'll have 60 extra crews on the streets," she said.

Bilotaite said the police will aim to advise people, rather than punishing those who ignore the movement restrictions.

She said, however, that a "stricter plan of measures" will be in place for "critical cases" where people refuse to obey the police, but added that she hopes there will be no need to resort to it.

Pozela also said that administrative penalties for non-compliance will only be imposed "as a last resort".

In addition to the permanent posts, other means, such as traffic speed control devices, could also be used to control people's movement, according to him.

Both the minister and the commissioner said that the Riflemen's Union, the State Border Guard Service, the military police and the Public Security Service will be also involved in enforcing the movement restrictions.

Pozela recommended that people have photos of all the documents that can prove their need to travel outside their own municipalities on their smartphones.

He advised those who want to travel to a rented apartment or house "to cancel such trips".

People who have to leave for unforeseen reasons are encouraged to call police by dialing 8700 60000 for advice on whether they will be allowed to.

Pozela hinted that police will be a little more lenient on expatriates returning to Lithuania for the holidays.

He also noted that a negative COVID-19 test will not be considered a reason for letting someone through a control post.

Source
Topics
It is prohibited to copy and republish the text of this publication without a written permission from UAB „BNS“.
BNS
Comment Show discussion