“Regretfully, the number of infections is really high, the number of cases has increased substantially. Also, the South African coronavirus strain has been detected in Lithuania, which implies not just more rapid spread [of COVID-19] but may also pose certain challenges for vaccination,” she told the reporters at the Seimas.

The prime minister reported about two confirmed cases of the said strain and several suspected cases. She also said that she had not yet been informed in details about where this coronavirus variant had been found in the country.

“We are now analyzing information about where the South African strain has been found and will then discuss measures that should be taken to contain its spread because it’s a risk for vaccination,” the government leader said.

Simonyte did not rule out that the government might consider tightening the lockdown regime in the coming days.

“Given today’s news about the South African virus strain found in the country, I wouldn’t rule out that we may have to consider certain restrictions, but I don’t want to speculate on this issue now,” she said adding that the government might introduce different lockdown regimes in various municipalities.

The prime minister called on residents to test for COVID-19 in case of even the slightest symptoms of a cold.

“We certainly see that the number of infections is growing, in particular in the city of Vilnius and the surrounding territory, that the strain that is very contagious, more contagious than the traditional virus, is spreading. Hence it is necessary to do that [to test for COVID-19], if we want to celebrate Easter safely,” Simonyte said.

She could not yet provide any specific details about the lockdown regime that might be in place during the Easter holiday. The prime minister admitted, however, that people should not plan big celebrations.

Some scientists warn that the new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa may be less susceptible to COVID-19 vaccines.

The UK coronavirus variant, which is more contagious and deadlier, has been spreading rapidly in Lithuania of lately.

The second national lockdown was introduced in Lithuania on Nov. 7.

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