We would like to inform that the Government has announced new changes in restrictions in order to manage the epidemiological situation in Lithuania. Please find below information regarding mentioned changes.
The Government has approved the decision informing that people without the passport of opportunities will not be able to visit large shops, catering establishments and receive certain services. According to the decision, this procedure should enter into force on 13 September 2021, however, service providers could apply such a procedure earlier if they took such a decision themselves.
Please be kindly noted that starting from 16 of August companies will be able to choose whether to serve all customers or only those who have the passport of opportunities without waiting for September 13 when this requirement will become mandatory. In such case, the decision of the company has to be registered in National public health center under the Ministry of Health.
It is established that from 13 September 2021 all contact services are provided and economic activities are carried out and events are organized (with certain exceptions) only for persons who meet the criteria of the passport of opportunities.
From 13 September 2021 the doors of large shops, beauty salons, cafes, restaurants and entertainment and events would close for people without the passport of opportunities. People without the passport of opportunities would be able to shop only in stores with a separate entrance, less than 1.500 square meters whose main activity is the sale of food, veterinary, pharmacy, optical and orthopedic technical goods.
Also, such persons could only use minor repair services, where the contact lasts no longer than 15 minutes. They could visit museum exhibitions and libraries, only to pick up or return books. The persons without the passport of opportunities would be able to attend events, celebrations, fairs, festivals, sport events in open spaces with a maximum of 500 participants, however, will not be able to participate in indoor events.
When using the services, visiting indoor spaces and in other cases, those without the passport of opportunities would be required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth or other means. For persons with immunity, these measures would remain a recommendation.
The previous draft of the decision proposed that persons without the passport of opportunities should not be able to use public transport and to receive medical treatment, except for the provision of essential services. However, following the adjustment of the decision, these proposals were rejected.
Please be kindly reminded that the passport for opportunities is available to those who have been vaccinated under the full vaccination scheme and have acquired immunity. Also, persons with a history of coronavirus infection as confirmed by PCR or antigen testing and children under 16 years of age. If a person is unable to vaccinate for medical reasons, such person would be able to take a PCR test at mobile points for free.
Restrictions would also not apply to person who have tested negative to a PCR test in the last 48 hours, however such test should be performed at person’s own expense at a private clinic. The passport of opportunities can also be used by who have enough antibodies. The serological antibody test is valid for 60 days, after which it can be repeated (quantitative serological test results from 16 August will be included in the passport of opportunities).
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Leinonen Tax team and we would be happy to provide you with more information about the changes which may be relevant to Your business.
The information above was prepared by the Leinonen tax team.
