"Discussions are ongoing for the age limit to be reduced to probably 12 years, and also to probably renounce tests. Decisions have not been made but discussions are definitely ongoing," Asokliene told BNS, adding that this children's age group is "big and risky".
In her words, national COVID-19 certificates have so far helped to manage the pandemic without closing down activities.
Pandemic peak hard to estimate
The existing pandemic situation is complicated not only in Lithuania but also across the world, Asokliene said.
"The situation is very complicated. The number of cases continues to rise, and we have definitely not reached the peak of this wave yet. We will also see the effect of the long All Souls' weekend, as the situation might further deteriorate," the chief epidemiologist said.
In her words, it’s now hard to estimate the peak of the pandemic as everything will depend on people's behavior, especially as the winter holidays are approaching.
3rd lockdown possible
As the epidemiologic situation continued to deteriorate at this time of the year last year, a second national lockdown was introduced in Lithuania. Although case numbers are now around 4 times higher, there are no plans as yet to put the country under lockdown.
"We now have the main weapon – vaccines, so people are being encouraged to get vaccinated not to fall ill, and if they do fall ill, to have a mild form of it. Also, we see a stable situation in ICU wards. Although some 150 beds are occupied, their number is not growing that fast," Asokliene said.
She does not rule out, however, that if the situation gets worse, a national lockdown could be introduced but for a short period of time.