Lithuania decides not to ease lockdown for now

The Lithuanian government decided on Wednesday not to ease the lockdown restrictions for now, reversing earlier indications that it might allow non-food shops and hairdressers to reopen.

Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said these issues would be discussed next week.

Health Minister Arunas Dulkys said after Monday's meeting of the government's emergency commission that he would propose that the Cabinet on Wednesday consider allowing non-essential shops with direct access from the street and hairdressers and beauty salons to reopen.

On Tuesday, however, experts advising the government on the pandemic recommended keeping the current restrictions in place until the infection rate has decreased significantly.