Lithuania buying almost 2 mln respirators from China

Lithuania is buying almost 2 million respirators from China, with the shipment expected to be delivered within two weeks, Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga said on Friday.

"This is the largest quantity Lithuania has ever had," Veryga told the public broadcaster LRT.

"This quantity will be enough to provide respirators to health workers who are not dealing directly with infected or suspected patients, too," he added.

Veryga said the procurement documents were finalized on Thursday. He expects the shipment to reach Lithuania in less than two weeks.

"Once the respirators are ready in warehouses, Lithuania will be ready to arrange for them to be quickly transported by air," he said.

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and those tested for the virus continues to increase in Lithuania, health workers complain of a shortage of protective gear.