Lithuania to suspend COVID certificates from Feb 5

The Lithuanian government decided Wednesday that from Feb. 5, COVID certificates will no longer be required in order to access shops, in-person services, restaurants and entertainment venues, reported Xinhua.

The government said that COVID certificates have played an important role in controlling the spread of the pandemic, but are no longer effective in fighting against the Omicron variant.

Over the past 24 hours, Lithuania has recorded 12, 278 coronavirus infections and 14 deaths from COVID-19, official statistics showed on Wednesday morning. This is the highest daily count in Lithuania since the start of the pandemic.

"With the spread of the much more contagious Omicron variant, both the unvaccinated and vaccinated, and recovered people are at risk of infection," the Health Ministry said.

However, although Omicron has been spreading fast, symptoms are comparatively milder. Therefore, the Lithuanian government made its decision regarding COVID certificates in order to help its economy recover. Nevertheless, the certificates may be re-introduced, the ministry said.

At the same time, the government set a requirement for retailers to manage customer flows, ensuring at least 15 square meters of floor space per person.

In addition, it was decided on Wednesday to lift compulsory COVID-19 testing of workers in certain fields.

Previously, workers in medical professions, social care, education, and pharmacies, as well as on public transport, in manufacturing and food service had to be regularly tested for the virus.

Deputy Health Minister Aurimas Peckauskas told Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) that the decision would significantly reduce the workload at testing sites.