Vilnius closes schools, entertainment facilities over COVID-19 fears

The Vilnius City Municipality has decided to shut down all schools and public entertainment places till April 17, as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19, according to a press release by the municipality on Thursday.

"From tomorrow (March 13) till the end of the Easter holiday, all educational facilities -- kindergartens, schools, universities will be closed, all events will be canceled, and cinemas, gyms and other recreational or entertainment facilities will be closed," read the release.

The municipality advises residents to go for walk in nature and do exercises outdoors.

"Although there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Vilnius yet, we are well aware that it is only a matter of time before it happens and we cannot delay," said Remigijus Simasius, mayor of Vilnius.

Although shops and markets are allowed to keep open, the owners are advised to take all necessary measures to ensure proper disinfection and ventilation of premises and prevent crowding indoors as well.

The municipality recommends residents to go shopping only for staples and to opt more often for online purchases.

Vilnius public transport will not be stopped, but will be more frequently disinfected, ventilated, and passengers will be encouraged to keep a distance from each other.

There are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Lithuania up to now, according to the Health Ministry of Lithuania.