Confirmed cases

The first case of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been confirmed in Lithuania on 28^th of February. Test results have confirmed infection to a female patient who returned from Verona (Italy) on 24 February 2020.   

National level emergency

On 26 February 2020, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania decided to declare a national level emergency in the country, preparing for potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The declaration of a state of emergency in the country is a preventive measure against the spread of the coronavirus. It will help to coordinate the work of the responsible institutions, utilise equipment in state reserves, and streamline other procedures.

Preventive measures

At a meeting of the National Emergency Operations Centre on 27th February, it was recommended to residents of Lithuania to avoid mass gatherings.

On February 24, Lithuanian Airports initiated additional risk management tools, related with the outbreak of coronavirus in Italy. All passengers arriving from the airports of Northern Italy to Lithuania shall undergo a health check and consulting provided by the professionals of the National Public Health Center.

All travellers who have travelled to China and Northern Italy are also asked to fill a questionnaire and follow the recommendations on the website of the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (http://nvsc.lrv.lt/COVID-19). They are asked to self-quarantine by staying at home, monitoring their health and limiting interaction with other people during a 14-day period after their return from the above-mentioned destinations. Travellers with possible coronavirus symptoms are urged to immediately call 112.

The Ministry of Health also urged employers in the country to show solidarity with efforts to tackle this infection. Employers are asked to allow workers who have recently visited the People's Republic of China, Northern Italy (Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna), Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Singapore to work from home, minimizing their contact with others.

Travel recommendations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania currently recommends against travelling to China, South Korea, Northern Italy   (Veneto, Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna), and the city of Adeje in the southern part of Tenerife (Spain) and its surroundings. It is recommended to take precautionary measures if traveling to the EU and the Schengen area, and the United Kingdom.

Travel recommendation for a specific country could be checked at https://keliauk.urm.lt .

Important to know

To prevent chances of getting infected with the coronavirus, it is recommended following standard measures to reduce the spread of the disease: frequently washing hands with warm water and soap, not touching the face and eyes, observing the coughing and sneezing etiquette (covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bent of an elbow), observing safe cooking (especially when using uncooked meat or eggs) and avoiding close contact with anyone who has symptoms of respiratory disease such as cough or sneezing.

If within 14 days of your last visit to the COVID-19 affected areas (China (all provinces), Northern Italy (Lombardy, Veneto, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna regions), Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Singapore) or following a close contact with a person with a confirmed COVID-19 disease you have experienced flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory problems, muscle pain or fatigue, please immediately call Emergency Help Centre line 112 and follow medical advice. 

If you have not travelled to these countries, have not been in contact with persons with a confirmed COVID-19 disease and have experienced flu-like symptoms, please contact your family doctor or the nearest health facility. For more information, please call +370 618 79984  or send an email (24/7) to [email protected]. 

COVID-19 Hotline: +370 618 79984 (specialists from National Public Health Center provide information a 24-hour availability).

More information

Government’s web page: http://lrv.lt/en/relevant-information/coronavirus-in-lithuania/relevant-information-1

Ministry of Health - http://sam.lrv.lt/en/

National Preparedness for Emergencies in Lithuania - https://www.lt72.lt/go.php/eng/Frequently-asked-questions-faq-about-the-novel-coronavirus

Please be informed that as of 22 December 2019, due to rearrangements in the organization of performance of consular functions, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the Kingdom of the Netherlands will not receive and examine applications for Schengen or national visas.

The third-country nationals legally residing in the Kingdom of the Netherlands should consult the Migration Office of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with regard to all matters relating to travel within the Schengen area.

On 28 November 2019 a Public debate "The Molotov-Robbentrop Pact and its Legacy: spheres of Influence in Europe" will take place at Wijnhaven, The Hague campus of Leiden University. 

Programme:

17.00     Welcome by Vidmantas Purlys, Ambassador of Lithuania in the Netherlands

17.05     "The genesis of the Ribbentrop and Molotov pact and its consequences for the Baltic States"(by Dr. Kęstutis Kilinskas, Vilnius University)

17.25      The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its long-term consequences (by Professor André Gerrits, Leiden University)

17.45-19.00      Panel discussion moderated by Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged. Participants: Dr. Kęstutis Kilinskas; Professor Sławomir Dębski, Director of Polish Institute of International Affairs; Hugo Klijn, Senior Research Fellow of the Clingendael Institute and Professor André Gerrits

Public debate is organized by SGTRS Foundation History of Totalitarian Regime and their Victims and BASIS (Bachelor Students of International Studies).